Press Releases

SFH on human swine flu vaccine

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a media standup session after officiating at the opening ceremony of Farmfest 2010 today (January 23):

Reporter: (about human swine flu)

Secretary for Food and Health: According to the current trend, we expect that if the virus will stay stable as it is, the second wave may not be as severe as we expect. But as most of the experts have said that the influenza virus is always unpredictable, we did not assume that the second wave is not going to be severe at this stage. We have to be well prepared for any type of eventuality, including more severe cases and more people requiring vaccination. Although the number of people vaccinated so far is far below what we have planned, as long as we have the vaccine in store and as a reserve, we can actually face any increase in infections, transmissions and more severe cases in the months to come.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)




Ends/Saturday, January 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:12

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