HK doctors warn of shortage over flu vaccines
(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2006-07-25 11:49 Hong Kong private doctors
have warned that there might not be enough influenza vaccines in Hong Kong to
deal with the upcoming flu season.
The SAR government, however, insisted that its 300,000 vaccines would be
enough to deal with the most vulnerable patients among the poor, sick and
elderly.
Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food York Chow Yat-ngok said the government
had told private sector doctors to order their supplies of the vaccine well in
advance.
However, the Hong Kong Medical Association warned that owing to a worldwide
shortage, ordering the vaccines in advance is no guarantee of delivery.
It said that doctors had been told by manufacturers they could deliver only
between 25 and 50 per cent of the supplies that had been ordered.
The association also said the prices of some vaccines had doubled compared to
last year.
Association president Choi Kin said even the government's supply of vaccines
might not be enough to meet the demand and urged the Department of Health to
find other sources of supply.
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