HONG KONG: Secretary for Health and Food York Chow said the government may launch a new, limited scale tender for A (H1N1) flu vaccine.

Chow made the comment after the Department of Health announced on Thursday that an original tender for the supply of human swine flu vaccine was cancelled because there was no offer which conformed to the essential requirements specified at tender closing on August 7, 2009.

Medical experts have raised concerns that vulnerable groups, including children and elderly, may be at risk because of the shortage of vaccine.

Speaking at a seminar in Beijing, Chow said the government has no plan to postpone the vaccination program and amend the tender requirements.

"There are several possibilities. On one hand we can proceed with the tender. On the other hand we can launch a limited scale of tender," he said. "Limited scale tender means we may approach some specified vaccine providers and ask them to give us some clear information."

Chow did not disclose whether mainland pharmaceutical companies will be approached.

He added that the government will give priority to the quality and safety of the vaccine.

Chow said the cancellation of the tender exercise will not affect the vaccination program.

"The peak flu season in Hong Kong is normally one to two months later than in other regions," he said. "The timetable for a vaccination program of these regions is tighter than us."

Chow said he has discussed with Minister of Health Chen Zhu that Hong Kong and the mainland will share resources, including anti-viral drugs and vaccine.

Speaking in the same seminar, Chen said the first batch of human swine flu vaccine will be approved for production within three weeks. The mainland can supply vaccines to Hong Kong and Taiwan if necessary.

Chen said the progress for research about the vaccine is satisfactory.

Research has found that human swine flu may be prevented with a small volume of vaccine.

(HK Edition 08/22/2009 page4)