THE Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination Programme has been temporarily suspended as of yesterday, the Ministry of Health said in a statement, to ensure that the new batch of vaccine meets quality and safety standards.
The ministry also assures for members of the public who have been vaccinated prior to the suspension that the previous batches of vaccine given are safe. The public will be informed once the vaccination programme is resumed.

The sudden suspension of the A (H1N1) Vaccination Program yesterday was met with public furore as people found the doors shut at the Indoor Stadium.

Dyg Maimunah, one of the irate public servants who contacted the Borneo Bulletin Hotline in the afternoon, said, “I took a half-day to go for the H1N1 vaccination yesterday but when I arrived at the Indoor Stadium, it was closed.”

“I then proceeded to the Ong Sum Ping Clinic but they said the vaccine is ‘out of stock’. Thinking that there may be some vaccine left in Sengkurong health clinic, I drove there to ask for it but ‘there isn’t any left’. ”
“What has happened? I thought the Ministry of Health has reassured us that there is enough vaccination for the nation. But now it’s out of stock?”

She added, “Why didn’t the ministry inform the public via radio? I also tried to contact the H1N1 hotline but no one picked up the phone,” she ranted.

Another telephone caller also shared the same sentiment, “At first the ministry promotes awareness of getting the vaccination and now it’s ran out of stock?

“Yesterday’s Friday sermon called for Muslims to take the vaccination but I can’t find any today. There must have been some confusion within the ministry,” he offered.

For inquiries on the Influenza A (H I N1), call Healthline 145 (working hours) or 7180991.

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