2005 Influenza vaccination programme

2005 Influenza vaccination programme

Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General of Public Health Dr Don Matheson today said he was very pleased to hear New Zealand can expect to get an extra 100,000 influenza vaccine doses effective against three Southern Hemisphere virus strains.

Dr Matheson said pharmaceutical company CSL contacted Health Minister Annette King today to supply New Zealand with 100,000 doses of influenza vaccine, 50,000 doses confirmed for mid-April and an additional 50,000 doses for delivery in mid-May. Final details of the second consignment will be confirmed in the next few days.

``This would bring the total number of vaccine doses effective against the three Southern Hemisphere virus strains to 150,000, which we are very pleased about,'' Dr Matheson said.

``We understand there are still details to be sorted and PHARMAC is meeting with CSL for discussions this Friday, but we will factor the extra CSL doses into our plans to provide immunisation coverage for New Zealanders.

``We're still working on the exact details of the vaccination programme, and expect to be in a position to release further information on how the programme will work sometime next week.

``In the meantime, from tomorrow afternoon, a new freephone line will be available for people who want further information about the influenza vaccination programme. This number is 0800 FLU INFO.''

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