FRENCH EMBASSY IN ARMENIA LEAVES ARMENIAN HEALTH MINISTRY BEHIND IN FIGHT AGAINST SWINE FLU

ArmInfo
2009-12-08 17:57:00

ArmInfo. The French Embassy in France has been holding voluntary
vaccination of its country’s citizens for three days while the
Armenian Health Ministry is still thinking what swine flue vaccine to
choose, Chairman of the Armenian Standing Parliamentary Commission
for Healthcare Ara Babloyan said at today’s press- conference at
Duplex club.

"We realize that the vaccines produced in different countries have
different quality. We also know that in some countries H1N1 flu
vaccines caused allergic reaction. But this is quite a standard
situation, and here one should recommend allergy-predisposed persons
to consult a doctor first of all",- Babloyan said.

To note, the swine flue vaccination in Armenia is planned for late
January 2010. Babloyan said that as of December 7, 35 cases of swine
flue were registered in Armenia. Despite the small number of swine
flu patients, on December 7 Armnian Education and Science Minister
Armen Ashotyan signed an order on suspension of educational activity
at Armenia’s schools and pre-school establishments from 8 till 19
December. "I wouldn’t say that the flu epidemiological situation
in Armenia is complicated. However, taking into account the current
situation in connection with H1N1 flu appearance in the country, it
is better to focus on preventive measures",- Babloyan said. At the
same time, he pointed out one should not focus on the swine flu as
the only reason of the given decision. "We want to stop the spreading
of not only H1N1, but also other virus infections",- he said.

To recall, the first case of swine flu was revealed in Armenia on
November 10, and the first carrier of the virus was an Iranian citizen.