Abdullatif al-Khal

A senior health official yesterday hinted that all residents in Qatar are likely to be vaccinated against Influenza A (H1N1) by January 2010. However, it was unclear when the vaccine will be available in the country.
Speaking at a one-day preventive measures against influenza A(H1N1) workshop organised by the Supreme Council of Health for school nurses and staff, Medicine Department chairman Dr Abdullatif al-Khal noted that two major campaigns were being launched in the country to combat and slow down the spread of the virus.
The workshop was being sponsored by the Qatar National Bank.

Medical experts, who took part in a discussion on H1N1 flu, have advised against postponing the reopening of schools after the summer vacation in Qatar, but urged the health authorities and parents to remain “vigilant” to confront the disease on a case-by-case basis.
Most of the schools in Qatar are scheduled to begin their new academic year on September 26.
The discussion was organised and hosted by the Friends of Environment Centre at its Green Tent, where contemporary issues of local interest are taken up during the month of Ramadan.
While some of the speakers accused the media of “exaggerating” the threat from H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu, others believed the matter should be taken seriously to prevent catastrophic consequences for the humanity.