Caricom countries are expecting the first shipment of the HINI vaccine late next month as they prepare for more attacks from the HINI or swine flu virus.

In a press release Caricom said the vaccine will provide immunisation for its most vulnerable groups: children, pregnant mothers, persons suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases and youth; against an anticipated second attack of the virus.

Dr Rudolph Cummings

“The bad news is this virus is expected to intensify its attack during the colder months of December to January; the good news is that the Caribbean is more prepared to deal with this virus the second time around as most Member States are seeking to acquire the vaccine,” Caricom Health Sector Development, Programme Manager Dr Rudolph Cummings said.

The United States government contributed significantly to a Global Fund which was used to develop the vaccine that could be delivered at no cost to some member states. However, Dr Cummings pointed out that this was not enough and some countries that did not benefit from the Global Fund would have to buy additional doses. The costs he said would be kept to about US$7 per vaccine. “We have passed the panic stage,” Dr Cummings said, “and for the majority who will be affected, the virus will just pass like the common flu.”

He also said the approach to testing and treating the virus has changed since its first appearance in late May. Dr Cummings said that initially, tests were done for all flu-like symptoms now it will be done in the public sector for severe acute respiratory infections.

According to Caricom Dr Cummings was one of three participants in a recent panel discussion titled ‘Caribbean Connections’ a new media product launched by the Guyana-based Internet Radio and Podcaster, Demerara Waves, and webcast to a New York audience through the New York based One Caribbean Radio. The programme is managed and moderated by Caribbean Journalist Denis Chabrol.