Seoul, October 21 (QNA) - South Korea's health authorities gave the green light to a local pharmaceutical company Wednesday to sell the nation's first vaccine for type-A (H1N1) influenza.
Green Cross Corp. has completed its clinical tests for "Green Flu-S" and found the drug is effective in fighting the H1N1 virus with just a single inoculation, the Korea Food and Drug Administration said, adding that it has granted permission for the pharmaceutical company to begin local sales of the product.
The move marks the eighth type-A flu vaccine to receive a government permit for sale in countries around the world. Health authorities in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Japan earlier allowed the sale of similar vaccines in their countries, Korea's (Yonhap) news agency reported.
The sale permit comes after Green Cross signed a deal with the South Korean government to provide the vaccine in September.
Fears are growing as the spread of the new flu could pick up pace as the fall season enters full swing, prompting some schools to temporarily shut their doors after reporting flu outbreaks.
Since it was first reported here in May, the H1N1 virus has claimed the lives of 20 South Koreans. Most were categorized as highly vulnerable as they were either elderly or suffered from chronic diseases.
The government is scurrying to stockpile antiviral drugs and vaccines in preparation for a possible spike in infections. It plans to vaccinate 35 percent of the country's 49 million population, with those deemed highly-vulnerable including quarantine staff given priority, starting next Tuesday.
Death of 5-Year-Old Raises H1N1 Suspicions
Health authorities are attempting to determine whether a five-year-old boy who died suddenly after having contracted the flu was infected with the H1N1 influenza virus.
The boy's family members said Wednesday that the boy, who died suddenly in his sleep on Tuesday, had been receiving standard flu treatment at the time of his death, the Korean radio reported today.
Authorities of the hospital where the boy had been receiving treatment are running tests to determine whether he had contracted H1N1. (QNA)