Sixth swine flu victim as vaccines arrive

TIRANA, Dec. 21 – Albania on Sunday lost its sixth victim to swine flu. The next day the first 10,000 anti-flu vaccines arrived in the country.
The victim was a 51-year old woman from northeastern Kukes district. She died in Tirana Mother Teresa University Hospital.
She was taken to Tirana some days earlier as she also suffered from tuberculosis and heart problems. But the doctors said the cause of her death was the swine flu.
The virus remains a serious health risk especially for patients with already chronic health problems.
Statistics published by the health authorities’ show that Albania has registered more than 300 cases of swine flu since the beginning of the epidemic.
Authorities have advised all at risk groups to be careful and to contact health clinics immediately in case of influenza symptoms.
The first 10,000 vaccines landed in the country Monday and were immediately distributed around the country.
All health personnel, children of 1-5 years old, pregnant women and other people suffering from chronic problems will be the first to get the vaccine.
The country has asked for some 250,000 vaccines.
They will be distributed for free.
Health authorities said there were no report of secondary effects from the vaccines, in an effort to convince the health personnel and other people to use it.