The government of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) decided to offer inoculation of A/H1N1vaccines for all its residents from January 1 next year, in an effort to combat second wave of A/H1N1 flu, Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of SAR said on Monday.

Chui announced the decision after the fifth meeting of Macao's Coordination Center of Influenza, of which he serves as chairman.

Chui said the second wave of A/H1N1 flu may hit the city in January, rather than February or March, according to guidelines of WHO and opinions of Centers for Disease Control in the US and European countries. Therefore, the SAR government has purchased enough doses of A/H1N1 vaccines to get all its residents inoculated.

According to Chui, residents can get free inoculation if they have ID cards for permanent residence.

Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in Chief Executive appealed to residents to follow instruction of health department and take preventive measures in coping with influenza.

(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2009)