Philippines Receives First Batch Of H1N1 Flu Vaccines From WHO

November 26, 2009 4:18 p.m. EST

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - The World Health Organization has turned over H1N1 flu vaccines to the Philippine government.

In a ceremony at the Malacanang Palace, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo received the vaccines from Dr. Soe-Nyunt-U, WHO country representative. The vaccines, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA and Green Cross Corporation, were the first of several batches of donations.

Worldwide reporting of individual cases stopped in July, but more than 1,709 people in the Philippines contracted the virus, according to the the latest tally from Philippine Department of Health. The nation has only suffered one death from the global pandemic that has infected 526,060 people and killed 6,770 worldwide.

The virus discovered in April forced the WHO to raise its alert level in June from Phase 5 to Phase 6, signaling the existence of a pandemic. At the time 66 countries were affected and there had been 117 deaths worldwide.

About 80 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been distributed and around 65 million people have received shots. WHO has issued an advisory that the inoculation causes side effects, such as fever, fatigue and allergic reactions. Deaths have also been reported among some who received the vaccine, WHO said, but investigations have found no direct link between the cause of death and the vaccine.

China reported two deaths and a small group of people who suffered extreme side effects after being inoculated. According to the latest figures the nation had administered 11 million doses.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended prioritizing five groups of people for vaccination: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months, healthcare personnel, people between the 6 months and 24 years of age, and people between the ages 25 and 64 years who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.