The human swine flu vaccination programme must continue, the Centre for Health Protection's Scientific Committee says, to ensure high-risk groups are protected from the virus.

The centre's Controller Dr Thomas Tsang said after the committee's meeting today the programme should be maintained as the number of cases of the vaccine-causing side effects are much less than that of severe or fatal reactions.

There have been 30 serious infections and six deaths since December 21. The figures could increase as Hong Kong enters the winter flu season, Dr Tsang added.

The committee will study additional data before making a more detailed assessment of how to deal with the non-target groups, such as primary-school children. More than 80% of primary schools reported swine flu outbreaks during the peak seasons in September and October. University research found a considerable number of primary students may have antibodies against the virus.

Leg-weakness cases

A 91-year-old man who complained about leg weakness following inoculation tested negative for Guillain-Barre Syndrome. He is under close observation in hospital.

Dr Tsang added the swine flu vaccine is believed not to be associated with the death of a 66-year-old woman who received the jab on Christmas Eve. She died yesterday and had chronic diabetes and hypertension. Her case has been referred to the coroner.

Meanwhile, the centre received a report today about a 67-year-old woman in critical condition at Kwong Wah Hospital who had complained about leg weakness on January 12 after receiving a vaccination on December 23.

The woman came down with fever, headache and vomiting on January 15 and was hospitalised on the same day. Besides a high white blood cell count, her cerebrospinal fluid had a normal protein content and a nerve conduction study was inconclusive.

Further tests are underway to see whether she has sepsis, autonomic nerve damage, Guillain-Barre Syndrome or other conditions.