BEIJING — China kicked off mass vaccinations for swine flu Monday in Beijing, making it apparently the first nation in the world to start innoculating its population against the virus.
The Asian giant has been at the forefront of international efforts to produce an A(H1N1) influenza vaccine, with at least five companies receiving government approval for the work. Officials however have warned demand will exceed supply.
The capital's municipal health bureau announced Monday in a statement on its website that Beijing "took the lead in China in starting A(H1N1) flu vaccinations".
Authorities kicked off the programme by immunising students due to take part in next week's National Day celebrations, the statement said. Around 100,000 students are due to attend, according to recent state media reports.
