MANILA - The World Health Organization on Thursday said it will donate nine million doses of anti-Influenza A(H1N1) vaccines to the Philippine government.

In a press conference, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said the vaccines are given to all countries affected by the "swine flu" virus. Of the 9 million doses, 1.2 million will arrive in the country before the end of the year.

Chan said health workers such as doctors and nurses will be first to receive the vaccine since they are the ones most exposed to the virus.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said 4,000 health workers are on the government's priority list to receive the vaccine, followed by pregnant women, the elderly and children five years old and below.

He said the government has allotted P100 million for more purchases of the vaccines once stock becomes available. He said the health department should conduct a side effect monitoring system after vaccination.