SINGAPORE - If you have not gotten your H1N1 vaccination, you can do so soon at possibly a lower price. Or, you can get it as part of a new all-in-one shot to protect against three strains of flu.
In his blog post yesterday, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the Health Ministry has reduced its H1N1 vaccine transfer price to $8 per dose for new orders.
"This will enable the GPs (general practitioners) to lower their H1N1 vaccination price to below that for the seasonal flu vaccination," said Mr Khaw.
It was reported previously that the ministry had initially acquired the vaccine from manufacturers at $16 per dose, excluding GST, and sold them - without profit - to doctors at $17 nett. The H1N1 vaccine is currently priced at $29 in polyclinics, while the seasonal flu jab costs between $20 and $40.
But this week, vaccine manufacturers announced the sale of a new batch of flu vaccine for the 2010 southern winter, at a price below that for the pandemic H1N1 flu.
Moreover, the new vaccine will be for three strains: Pandemic H1N1 virus, an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus. It is based on the recommendation of World Health Organization experts.
"Persons in high-risk groups should consider the new batch of seasonal flu vaccine for added protection against seasonal strains," said Mr Khaw.
He added, however, that the pandemic H1N1 vaccine is "still useful" since H1N1 "is still the predominant circulating strain in most areas".
Dr Melvyn Tan, a family physician at AMK Family Clinic, said that while he is unlikely to buy more H1N1 vaccine at the lowered price since he still has stock, he will probably lower his vaccine prices "to be more competitive". The H1N1 jab for now costs $28 at his clinic.
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