UNCLAS REYKJAVIK 000201

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT PASS IO COLLECTIVE
OES/IHB FOR JONES, IO/HS FOR BLACKWOOD, EUR/NB FOR KRARUP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC PREL KFLU WHO IC
SUBJECT: ICELAND CURRENTLY UNABLE TO ASSIST WHO WITH H1N1 SUPPORT

REF: STATE 99707


1. (SBU) Econoff delivered request contained in reftel to Sveinn
Magnusson, Chief Medical Advisor at the Ministry of Health on
November 3. Mr. Magnusson told Econoff that Iceland, as elsewhere,
has been slow to receive the quantity of H1N1 vaccines ordered.
Currently, the vaccine is available only to individuals in the high
risk categories. Approximately 80 percent of those eligible have
opted to receive the vaccine. The vaccine will be made available to
the general public, by appointment, at the end of this month.


2. (SBU) Magnusson thanked Econoff for information regarding the
request for WHO assistance but stated that Iceland is unable to
provide any contributions to the WHO at this time. He anticipates
that there will be no surplus of the vaccine after inoculations are
completed. Magnusson also said, however, that he will keep the
request in mind should Iceland's situation change to where it might
be in a position to contribute.
WATSON