A(H1N1) vaccines reach Benguet health workers
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - Around 3,000 people here will get immunized to fight A(H1N1), better known as swine flu.
The group is comprised of health workers, government employees, inmates, municipal and provincial employees, police personnel, the military, and all hospital employees in a bid to keep those in the front lines safe from A(H1N1)) infection.
Provincial Health Office Chief Esteban Piok said the vaccination has been going on since last month and targets to immunize all front line health personnel by the end of the month.
Piok said the Department of Health has released money for the project, which was the first in the history of the province.
Piok said the A(H1N1) vaccines could combat three types of flu, including avian influenza.
Last year, a low-level community outbreak was declared with the rising of the number of people affected with the new influenza virus.
The provincial health teams are now stationed in the municipal and provincial Capitol here to administer the vaccines to employees.
Piok said affiliate students from the Benguet State University and the Cordillera Career Development College will also be immunized.
A(H1N1) diagnostic swabs cost P4,000, while medicinal antidotes to combat the virus cost as high as P1,500 in the commercial market.( Ma. Elena Catajan)