OSLO (AP) — Norway is allowing over-the-counter sales of flu medicines Tamiflu and Relenza in response to the rapid spread of swine flu.
Health Minister Anne-Grete Stroem-Erichsen said Tuesday that abolishing the need for prescriptions will allow Norway to "more easily handle" the pandemic.
The policy goes into effect Thursday and will last until the middle of 2010.
Norway has ordered 9.4 million doses of swine flu vaccine — enough for two per Norwegian — but the manufacturer has not produced the vaccine quickly enough to meet demand.
Public health officials estimate more than 100,000 Norwegians have been infected with swine flu. Fifteen have died.
©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
