Landlæknisembættið - Directorate of Health

03.11.2009

Vaccinations for the general public expected to start in late November

Presumably, vaccinations for the general public against the A(H1N1)v 2009 influenza will start earlier than expected, i.e. in the second half of November instead of December. The reason is that more vaccine is being imported in the coming days and weeks than originally assumed.

Vaccination has already been given to over 20.000 people out of the 75.000 belonging to the groups prioritised for influenza vaccination. At this stage, it seems that all these people will have had their vaccination by the middle of November, i.e. health care workers and security personnel (police, fire service, civil protection, etc.) and patients with underlying diseases.

No serious side effects from the vaccination have been reported. Some people have experienced a swelling (a slight inflammation) or redness where the shot was given. This means simply a vigorous immune response of the body and an affirmation that the vaccine is effective!

Preliminary results from research on the vaccine indicate dicisively that only one shot of the vaccine provides maximum protection against the A(H1N1)v 2009 influenza. The Chief Epidemiologist´s conclusion is that only one shot of the vaccine is needed. However, it should also be noted that if indications to the contrary appear, informtion or instructions will be issued to the effect that certain groups may need a second shot.

Chief Epidemiologist for Iceland