Toll Free: 888.243.2358 Outside U.S.: 610.254.8769

Health & Security News Alert - from HTH Travel Insurance

Email this Page
Unable to send email

November 9, 2009. Government Warning Issued for Belgium

SOURCE:U.S. Department of State

U.S. Embassy Brussels issued the following Warden Message on November 9:

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. The Belgian Government's Interministerial Influenza Commission (IIC) expects to begin vaccinations in Belgium on or around November 7th for certain at-risk groups, but there is no published date yet for vaccinations for the general public. The vaccine is expected to be available at the offices of all General Practitioners and will be free of charge; however, each recipient will be expected to pay the normal cost for a doctor's office visit. The most up-to-date information on the Government of Belgium's preparedness plan for dealing with the H1N1 influenza is available on its website in Dutch, French, and German.

If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Embassy at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the Embassy cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.

Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the Embassy is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice. Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.

Copyright © 2009, U.S. Department of State


The views expressed are solely those of the author and/or source and are not necessarily the views of either HTH Worldwide or its partners and affiliates. Similarly, the accuracy of this article is solely the responsibility of the author and/or source.