Health Ministry records three new A(H1N1) deaths in Thailand

BANGKOK, Feb 22 (TNA) – Thai Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit on Monday confirmed three new deaths from Influenza Type A(H1N1) during the past week, bringing the cumulative number of fatalities to 209.

The dead were a two-year-old boy in Bangkok who suffered from chronic lung disease, a six-year-old girl in Phitsanulok province and a 65-year-old Chiang Mai woman who experienced diabetes and kidney failure.

Meanwhile, the total number of persons vaccinated with the anti-A(H1N1) virus shots reached 291,302, the minister said.

The high-risk groups receiving the vaccines included 152,523 medical workers, 107,454 patients with chronic diseases, 18,532 pregnant women, and 8,541 overweight persons as well as 3,321 with varied disabilities.

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health began its free vaccination programme January 11 to protect the public against Influenza A(H1N1) with a plan to administer about two million injections to people in five high-risk groups at state and private hospitals nationwide.

Free vaccinations will be offered until March, while pregnant women can get shots until May.

The H1N1 flu vaccine Panenza, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur in France, is valued at Bt 600 million overall or 300 baht for an individual dose.

Vaccinations are being offered at 129 state and private hospitals, including 59 hospitals in Bangkok and 70 others in the provinces. (TNA)