MANILA, Philippines?Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said Wednesday that the Philippines will receive anytime this week about 1.9 million doses of vaccines against A(H1N1) flu virus, which will be distributed to high-risk groups.

Cabral said the vaccines donated by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be distributed for free among high-risk groups individuals such as those who are pregnant, health workers, children below five years and the elderly.

She said the DoH will post notices at barangay (village) health centers to notify high-risk groups of their vaccination schedule.

Under WHO guidelines, at least ten percent of the general population or 9 million Filipinos should be able to avail of the A(H1N1) vaccination but high-risk groups will be given priority.