BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – VACCINATION for the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, will not arrive in St. Kitts-Nevis until March 2010 at the earliest, according to Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Patrick Martin.
The grim announcement was made after Martin confirmed that the Federation had recorded its sixth positive H1N1 test in Nevis. Of the six diagnosed, a 28-year-old female has been the nation’s lone casualty.
“The news from the two regional vaccine-related meetings held in the Federation over the past 10 days, is that the global H1N1 vaccine supply is lagging behind demand,” Martin revealed. “Therefore, the Federation will not receive vaccine in November, as first reported. The earliest availability is now projected for March 2010.”
Development of an H1N1 vaccine began in May after the North American outbreak of the disease in April. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that about three billion doses would be produced annually, and initially predicted a November delivery schedule.
However, production difficulties have limited the supply available and countries including the US have reported shortages. The demand for the vaccination has grown due to the impending Northern Hemisphere flu season.
Despite the delay, Martin urged residents to stay calm and continue taking basic health precautions such as covering one’s mouth while coughing and sneezing, and seeking hospital treatment for serious flu-like symptoms.
“The absence of H1N1 vaccine is not a cause for alarm. Vaccine is one weapon in the fight against H1N1. The most effective measures are good nutrition and hydration, adequate rest and exercise, personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, and a positive mental attitude,” said the CMO.
Martin stressed that local health providers were “knowledgeable and skilled” in the diagnosis and treatment of influenza, and reiterated that most H1N1 cases were mild and would not require treatment. He noted the health system possessed adequate stocks of anti-viral medication for those who would need medical assistance.
According to the European Centre for Disease and Control, the global H1N1 death toll stood at 6 768 as of November 13, 2009. The majority of those deaths were recorded in North and South America.
