Israel to Purchase Swine Flu Vaccine for Entire Population

Israel’s Minister of Health has been instructed to buy enough swine flu vaccines for all Israeli citizens, in addition to other anti-influenza medications. The orders came from Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a meeting with a task force from the Ministry of Health. The H1N1 "swine flu" vaccine and other medications will cost Israel an estimated $118 million, and will be able to protect all Israelis from the virus, and 30% from influenza come the flu season in fall. Israelis have been in a swine-flu panic this summer since 10 foreign teens on a tour of the country contracted the virus. The first death in Israel from the H1N1 virus was reported Tuesday, prompting the Health Ministry to start a swine flu ‘hotline.’