Government is to stockpile vaccines and antiviral drugs to combat a second wave of the H1N1 virus.

Priority will be given to high risk groups such as children, teachers, childcare workers and pregnant women, with vaccination programmes to be rolled out in both primary and middle schools.

"It is anticipated that in the Fall, we will see an increase in cases. This is being called the 'second wave'," said Health Minister Walter Roban yesterday.

But he added: "Do not panic the present status of H1N1 has not changed. It is no more severe than the normal winter flu that we experience.

"It is important for everyone to remember that there continues to be no evidence that the virus has mutated to a more virulent or lethal form.

"The majority of cases have been mild although this strain, different from seasonal influenza, seems to affect younger individuals to a greater extent."

The Minister was joined by Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann to give an update on the status of Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic yesterday.

H1N1, also known as 'swine flu', is now the dominant influenza virus in the US, UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

There have been 209,438 laboratory confirmed cases and 2,185 deaths reported to the World Health Organisation.

In Bermuda, nine confirmed cases of infection have so far been recorded all of them in individuals arriving from foreign soil. Mr. Roban said the fact these cases were contained "without further transmission" showed effective public health procedures were in place.

However, he said it was important for people to remember to exercise basic hygiene such as covering a cough and washing your hands.

Government has now placed hand sanitisers in schools and Government buildings, and hopes the business community will follow the initiative.

"We encourage private enterprise to take on similar measures," said Mr. Roban.

"We will continue to monitor our ports of entry, our seaports and airport," he added.

People arriving in Bermuda, including cruise ship passengers, who feel unwell will receive the best of medical attention, said the Minister.

He said Government has had a pandemic plan in place since the outbreak of Avian Flu.

"Our plan was activated at the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) in April and there has been ongoing communication with the public, schools and local health care professionals regarding the best way to respond and to ensure that everyone was operating with the same information. This is a mild virus but let's not be fooled by that, and make sure we have all the standard precautions in place."

Government has been working with the Bermuda Hospitals Board and private health practices to ensure vaccines and antivirals are in place for "high risk populations".

Dr. Cann said: "In terms of antiviral vaccines, many of our pharmacies have been successful in obtaining quantities, but in the second phase we expect more demand.

"We (Government) have also placed orders, to support the hospital which has a stockpile and to support our local pharmacies, to ensure antiviral medication is available for those who need it.

"In terms of vaccinations, we have also placed orders and have reasonable expectations we will receive it when that vaccine becomes available in mid to late October."

However, the quantity Bermuda receives will also depend on global demand, said Dr. Cann.

As well as high risk groups, garbage collectors and other sanitation workers could also receive the vaccine. "We've looked at what is necessary to try to make sure society can continue to function," said Dr. Cann.

He said the first wave of the virus had helped countries around the world to test plans in dealing with a pandemic.

"Our systems have worked well but it's now imperative every country revisit its plans and learn from the first wave, and move forward to ensure collaboration continues on an international, regional and national level. The most serious cases have been in adults under 50 years of age and there is an increased risk in pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions."

He added: "In October, we hope to visit every Parent Teacher Association meeting to share information and answer any questions parents may have in terms of problems in a school and how do we contain the virus."