AH1N1 Vaccine To Be In Costa Rica This Week
The anticipated vaccine against the AH1N1
flu virus is almost here. The vice-ministra
de Salud, Ana Morice, confirmed that the
with the first 200.000 doses of "Panenza"
will be arriving this coming week.
The first batch will be to immunize those in
the high risk groups, such those working in
health care and emergency like fire
fighters, Cruz Roja (Red Cross) and police,
followed by those diagnosed with diabetes,
asthma, bronchitis and hypertension and the
grossly obese.
Morice said the vaccine will be distributed
to the various public hospitals and Ebais
(clinics) around the country.
The cost of the vaccine is being absorbed by
the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)
and distributed free of charge those in
need. The cost of each dose is us$7.50, of
which the CCSS will be receiving some
500.000 in February and another 1.1 million
doses in March, for a total purchase of 1.8
million doses.
The pruchase is being made from them
Panamerican Health Organization that has
negotiated with the vaccine manufacturers on
behalf of Latin American countries.
A second wave of the AH1N1 is expected in
Costa Rica for February. It has originally
been expected this month.
The last wave resulted in the death of 47
people (26 men and 21 women). With the
vaccine in hand, the second wave and
possible third wave to follow, should be
light in infections and casualties.
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