Havana, Nov 2, (RHC-Granma).- Some 900,000 doses of a vaccine against the common flu, which meets all the requirements of the WHO, will be administrated to Cubans from November 9 and for two weeks. The objective is protecting the people most vulnerable to the disease and those who might suffer complications were they to contract the A H1N1 flu.

People over 75, diabetics, chronic asthmatics, people affected with chronic kidney conditions, the elderly living in nursing homes, disabled people and poultry and pig farm workers are the ones who face the greatest risks.

Dr. Manuel Santin Pena, head of the Epidemiology Department at the Ministry of Public Health, said that this vaccine cannot prevent people from contracting A H1N1. The vaccine for that virus, as announced by Dr. Margaret Chan, Head of the World Health Organization, during her stay in Cuba, will be arriving on the island soon and will be administrated to risk groups.

Common flu usually affects the elderly, while A H1N1 has serious effects on pregnant women, children under two, people with heart conditions, asthma and people under 25 years in general.

According to epidemiology authorities, there are six other viruses spreading in Cuba at the moment, in addition to A H1N1. The vaccine that will be administrated to Cubans in the next few days will prevent people from contracting four of theses viruses.

The vaccine may cause fever and general discomfort. The costly vials contain ten doses each; therefore, people are asked to give their support and contribute to the organization of the vaccination campaign so that we can make the most out of these vaccines.

On the eve of the second wave of A H1N1, health authorities advise pregnant women to observe hygiene measures carefully and attend clinics immediately if they present any symptom of respiratory conditions.