TAIPEI: Some 560,000 people were vaccinated against influenza A(H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, on the first day of a free inoculation program that began December 12, bringing to 4.12 million the total number of people immunized in Taiwan, according to statistics released yesterday by the Central Epidemics Command Center (CECC).

Targeting the entire population in a follow-up effort to stem the spread of H1N1 after an inoculation program for people considered at higher risk of contracting the disease, the second inoculation program kicked off December 12 in 2,584 clinics and hospitals and 354 free vaccination stations set up by the Department of Health (DOH).

According to CECC statistics, 563,712 people received vaccinations on the first day of the program, with 20 counties and cities meeting their target numbers of inoculations.

Among them, Lienchiang County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan County and Taitung County vaccinated 1.5-3.5 times more people than expected, the CECC added.

The H1N1 virus has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people around the world this year, including 35 in Taiwan.

Also yesterday, "Health Minister" Yang Chih-liang said in an interview with a local radio station that over 4 million of 7 million vaccine doses acquired by the government have been used, while the rate of people developing side effects after receiving the vaccine is similar to the international level.

Also, people in Taiwan should consider themselves lucky because the government's immunization program is free and covers everybody, Yang said.

He also noted that in Japan, only low-income people are eligible for free vaccinations, while in the United States, they are free only for seriously ill patients and children.

Rebutting criticism that the government is giving profits to Adimmune Corp, Taiwan's only human vaccine manufacturer, by purchasing their vaccine, Yang pointed out that the company produces high-quality vaccine at only half the price of imported products.

The company also has stricter standards in testing for residues and toxins than the World Health Organization, he added.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 12/16/2009 page2)