Medical experts worldwide acknowledged the safety of Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine and believed that its protection is far greater than risks, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, said today.

Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On and Mr Cheong visited a number of social services organisations today.

Asked about yesterday’s death of a 79-year-old male who had received the second injection of Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine three days ago, Mr Cheong said a panel of physicians concluded that he was died of heart disease and heart failure and there was no evidence linking his death to vaccination.

According to the information by the Health Bureau, the late 79-year-old male had been suffering from chronic health problems including hypertension, diabetes and chronic renal insufficiency.

He showed no signs of feeling unwell when received vaccines of seasonal influenza, Influenza A (H1N1) and pneumococcal three weeks ago.

Figures from the Health Bureau showed that more than 75,000 residents had been vaccinated so far and only 37 people were reported to be feeling unwell, such as having fever and allergy.

Mr Cheong expressed his condolences to the family members of the deceased.