Nov 24 (Reuters) - Here are some details about measures taken to fight the H1N1 swine flu, a mixture of swine, bird and human viruses and which has killed more than 7,860 people globally, according to the latest European Centre for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) tallies.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an H1N1 pandemic on June 11, indicating the first influenza pandemic since 1968 was under way.
LATEST MEASURES BY GOVERNMENTS:
CROATIA – The Health Ministry says the first delivery of 140,000 vaccines arrived on Tuesday. Vaccination against H1N1 will start on Nov. 27, with those seen as most at risk to be targeted first — people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, young children, the obese and healthcare workers.
FRANCE – Almost 240 schools around the country have had to close in an effort to contain particularly virulent outbreaks. — A recent jump in cases has given a much-needed boost to a national vaccination campaign, with queues forming at centres over the weekend as word spread of a rise in deaths. — When the centres initially opened earlier this month, the French media, said they were largely deserted, with medical staff having to throw away large numbers of unused vaccinations.
HUNGARY – Many schools around the country have ordered temporary shutdowns, none for more than a few days. — Schools are mandated to vaccinate students, but parent approval is needed. — Hungary is establishing vaccination centres, 200 will be in operation by Nov. 27. — For weeks, most Hungarians refused to get vaccinated, for fear of side effects, especially in children and pregnant mothers.
NETHERLANDS – The Netherlands started vaccinating children against the H1N1 virus on Monday. Some 830,000 children aged from six months up to and including four-year-olds will be vaccinated. — Babies up to six months old will not be vaccinated because the vaccine has not been tested on that age group. About 200,000 members of families with babies younger than six months will be vaccinated instead. — At 237 different locations across the Netherlands, parents can visit centres of municipal health organisation GGD to have the vaccinations, with most vaccinations taking place this week. A second round of shots will occur in mid-December. — The vaccination of children comes after the Netherlands started vaccinating risk groups against the virus on Nov. 9.
POLAND – Poland’s Health Ministry decided last week to release its Tamiflu stock to pharmacies. — Health Minister Ewa Kopacz has said not enough tests have been conducted to ensure flu vaccinations are safe for people and that she is demanding more guarantees from pharmaceutical firms before any possible purchase. — Several schools have been temporarily closed across the country, but there has been no central recommendation to do so.
