China starts A/H1N1 vaccination

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China began extensively injecting citizens with A/H1N1 vaccine across the country. Provinces in central and western areas such as Yunnan and Gansu provinces started inoculations. Expert says the vaccine is effective and safe for most people. It's the most effective measure to prevent contracting the flu so far.

Health departments says medical staff will first receive the injection because they are in contact with more people. Students, teachers, public servants and the elderly will receive the vaccination later. It's estimated the vaccinations will be finished by the end of the year.

The first shipment of 750 thousands doses of A/H1N1 flu vaccine arrived in Yunnan province. Primary and middle school students received the fist batch of injections. 440 thousands of doses reached Gansu province as well. More than 1-thousand medical staff will receive the injection.

Beijing prepared 1.7 million doses of A/H1N1 flu vaccines for free inoculations. Students and teaching staff of all local middle and primary schools started injections Tuesday. Students will be vaccinated with their parents' consent. In an addition to medical staff, public servants working at railways, civil aviation and transportation sectors will receive free injections as well.

As of Friday, the State Food and Drug Administration approved the release of 17.6 million doses of the vaccine. More than 300,000 people have been vaccinated, with 150 showing adverse reactions, including some swelling and pain from the needle, fever, vomiting and fatigue.