H1N1 flu vaccine is now available in Algeria

ALGIERS- A total of 1,310,000 doses of anti-swine flu (A/H1N1) vaccine are currently available in Algeria, Minister of Health Saïd Barkat said Thursday.

• "We have taken delivery Wednesday of 631,000 doses of anti-swine flu vaccine, thus we have now 1,310,000 doses," the minister said during a meeting with the People’s National Assembly (Parliament)’s health, social affairs, labour and vocational training committee.
• During this meeting, he recalled the main measures and plans taken by the ministry to prevent and fight against the disease spread, which killed 38 among 607 cases of confirmed swine flu in Algeria. Referring to theoretical estimates and approximate calculations established by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on national data, Barkat said that the H1N1 virus affects 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, adding that 27.67% of diagnosed swine flu cases are kids.
• He added that 118 students were affected by the flu through 17 provinces without causing death, including 38 cases in Algiers and 18 others in Tizi Ouzou, noting that 31 classes have been closed for a week.
• Concerning the health of pilgrims, the Minister noted that 36,000 hajjis were vaccinated against seasonal influenza before their departure to the holy sites of Islam, stating that over 5,000 people, with presented flu symptoms were treated with the antiviral drug "Oseltamivir" more known as "Tamiflu".
• He said that two cases of swine flu among pilgrims registered were treated.
• About Oseltamivir, which is available free next week in the pharmacies for any person with a prescription, Barkat has confirmed the efficacy of this treatment, stressing that existing quantities can cover up to 7,500,000 people and this drug is also manufactured locally.
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• Ennaharonline/ APS