20/10/2009

Swine Flu Vaccine 'Safe', Say Officials

Officials from the Department of Health have issued a reassurance that swine flu vaccine is safe, after concerns in Germany about a medicine, which has been ordered for use in Ireland.

Concern began to mount after a German medical organisation advised against using Pandemrix over concerns about the safety of a booster substance used in it.

However Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said there was nothing to be worried about.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and the HSE have released a statement advising that there has been a further death from H1N1 virus.

According to a spokesman from the department, an adult male from the east of the country passed away on Sunday.

Doctors said that the patient had an underlying medical condition.

Mary Harney TD, Minister for Health and Children, the Department of Health & Children and the Health Service Executive have offered their sympathy to the family and friends of the patient.

(DW/BMcC)

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