Netanyahu orders purchase of swine flu vaccines
After meeting deputy health minister Wednesday, prime minister decides to approve purchase of NIS 450 million worth of vaccinations against virus. But doctors are skeptical vaccine will be ready before winter
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Health Ministry to purchase NIS 450 million ($120 million) worth of swine flu vaccinations for the entire Israeli population.
The prime minister's decision came following a meeting Wednesday with Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman.
The ministry's professional staff have recommended buying the vaccine, but noted that it may not be authorized for use before winter.
Professor Gabi Barabash, head of the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, said he was skeptical an effective vaccine against swine flu will be produced soon. He recommended that the public be vaccinated against common influenza ahead of wintertime, "In order to reduce morbidity rates and ease the pressure on hospitals."
According to Barabash, up-to-date medical research makes it clear that "an effective, proven and safe vaccine will not be ready before the coming winter. It seems we will have to go through winter without one."
Government to buy more Tamiflu
Netanyahu and Litzman also agreed in the meeting on the purchase of more of the Tamiflu antiviral drug, which reduces infection rates by 5%. This will increase Israel's Tamiflu coverage to 35% of the population. The coverage rate recommended by the World Health Organization is at least 25% of the population.
"This decision puts Israel alongside the leading countries in the world on the issue of swine flu vaccinations," The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
The vaccines, which are currently in the final stage of development and approval, will be delivered to Israel in a few months. However, the funding for the vaccinations' purchase has yet to be earmarked.
