Riyadh sets up 11 centres set up for H1N1 shots

In its ongoing fight to contain the deadly swine flu virus, Saudi Arabia’s health ministry announced on Monday the names of 11 primary health care centres (PHC) in Riyadh where people can get vaccinated, according to a report.

The Saudi Gazette reported on Tuesday that the announcement comes two days after the Kingdom’s Minister of Health Dr Abdullah Rabeah launched the national swine flu vaccination program, which initially targets pilgrims from within the Kingdom and health care and security personnel who are assigned to work during Haj.

Hisham Nazar, Director-General of the PHC for the Riyadh Region, said pilgrims can receive A-H1N1 vaccination shots by visiting any of the designated PHCs located in districts including: Al Solaimanya, Ameer Muhammad Bin Saud Al Kabeer, Al Darayeeah, Al Nahda, Al Rawabi, Al Otaiga, Dar Al Baidah, Al Shifa, Al Oraija (West), Swaidi and Al Marghab, according to the daily.

The PHCs will be open for vaccination from 8am to 12 noon and 4.30pmto 12 midnight. “The initial target are those people going for Haj from Riyadh City,” he said.

Saudi Arabia launched its swine flu vaccination campaign on Saturday, initially focusing on some 500,000 pilgrims from within the Kingdom and health personnel working during the hajj.

Dr Al Rabeah said a million doses of the vaccine would cover the first stage of the campaign.

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