Expert reassures H1N1 jab is 'completely safe'

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) has again assured the public that the Influenza A (H1N1) jab is "completely safe", echoing a statement made last Wednesday by the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative for Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and Malaysia.

In an exclusive interview with The Brunei Times, Dr Ong Sok King, the coordinator of the H1N1 vaccination centre at the National Indoor Stadium, emphasised that the vaccine is "completely safe" and sought to clarify some of the misinformation the public have surrounding the vaccine.

Public feedback received by The Brunei Times showed that there was still much anxiety regarding the recent two-week suspension of the H1N1 vaccination programme, which was halted so that a new batch of vaccines from a different supplier could be tested to ensure that it met the MoH and WHO's quality and safety standards.

"The ministry is extremely vigilant and strict when it comes to the introduction of a new batch of medicines. It is standard procedure to test a new batch to make sure it reaches our quality and safety standards," said Dr Ong.

Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman recently dismissed rumours that questioned the quality and safety of the batch, which he said were "simply baseless and unfounded".

Dr Ong also assured the public that the vaccine, which is made from an egg medium, is 100 per cent halal, saying that the MoH meticulously checked through the ingredient report from the Belgian manufacturer, GSK.

Potential side effects of the H1N1 vaccine are similar to the seasonal flu vaccine, which include pain at the injection site, fever, headache, muscle pain, rashes and abdominal discomfort, although Dr Ong pointed out that most people do not experience significant side effects.

When asked why people should be vaccinated against H1N1, Dr Ong replied that a person must assess the risks and benefits of their decision with their physician by weighing the chances of getting the disease against the possibility of experiencing any side effects.

"The mortality rate of H1N1 is similar to that of seasonal flu. But the mortality rate is much higher if you are at high risk from developing serious complications from an H1N1 infection," Dr Ong said.

Dr Ong identified the high risk groups as young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, asthma, obesity, cancer, kidney disease, neurological disease and poor immunity.

"Before the vaccination is administered, the public must fill out a health declaration form and medical staff will check their medical history to make sure they are suitable candidates. Once they have received the injection, they will have to rest at the centre for 15 minutes to make sure that no serious reaction has occurred."

Dr Ong also stated that any child above six months old is also eligible to get the vaccine. "Children below 10 years of age will only receive half a dose. But young children must have had exposure to eggs before they get vaccinated to ensure that they do not have an egg allergy."

He explained that while people with severe egg allergies and pregnant women are advised against getting the vaccine, it is perfectly safe for women who are trying to fall pregnant to be inoculated.

Dr Ong added that there was no need to vaccinate people who have previously contracted an H1N1 infection since their body would have already built antibodies to the virus.

In closing, Dr Ong issued a final caveat: "It is important to note that no vaccine can provide 100 per cent protection against the disease. That's why it is extremely important to maintain good hygiene practices such as washing your hands constantly and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing."

The Brunei Times