The Ministry of Health is scheduled to begin Saturday swine flu vaccinations at all the nation's schools, in an attempt to contain the spread of the disease. This includes children at kindergarten, students with special needs, primary, intermediate and secondary school students. The ministry's move comes at the start of what is called the “third pandemic wave.” This is expected to happen at the start of the winter season, when fatalities normally rise, according to global scientific forecasts. In a statement issued Saturday, the ministry said it has coordinated this plan with the Ministry of Education. It will take place in all regions and governorates of the Kingdom. The ministry stated that the vaccine is safe and protects people against the disease and its complications. The side effects of the vaccine do not differ from those of other vaccines given earlier, whether during childhood or early school years, stated the ministry. Side effects might occur shortly after administering the vaccine, but disappear without the need for treatment within one or two days. It is in the form of a slight pain, reddishness and swelling at the place of the injection, pain in the muscles, a rise in body temperature or nausea, according to the ministry. The ministry said the latest statistics have confirmed that the number of those afflicted with the disease in the world has reached 1.3 million. A total of 13,800 people have died from the disease. The ministry called on guardians and parents to have their children vaccinated.
