Free influenza vaccine uptake almost a record

Free influenza vaccine uptake almost matches record

The total number of influenza vaccine doses distributed in New Zealand throughout the 2007 influenza season was 745,189. This is a 2.10% decrease on the total for the 2006 season (761,150), which was an all-time record for the programme.

The Government-subsidised influenza vaccine campaign ended on June 30.

“While we narrowly missed last year’s record high, we have made a net gain on previous years and this means New Zealanders have recognised the seriousness of influenza and its complications,” advises virologist and National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG1) spokesman, Dr Lance Jennings.

Dr Jennings says NISG will research and review its 2007 campaign but anecdotal feedback suggests that the mild start to winter meant people were slow to take up the offer of free immunisation this season.

“We know it’s hard for people to think about influenza when it still feels like summer but it is best to be immunised well before the influenza season starts for best protection,” he maintains.

Dr Jennings adds that although the Government-subsidised scheme has ended for 2007, individuals, especially those at high-risk from influenza complications, should still be immunised.

PHARMAC, the Government’s drug-buying agency which arranges the supply of influenza vaccines each year, says that there are sufficient doses still in the country and able to be distributed for those who wish to pay for their vaccination.

The first cases of seasonal influenza for 2007 have already been identified in New Zealand, and the type of viruses circulating at present are: A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) – like, B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like, and B/Shanghai/361/2002-like viruses.

The current vaccine contains: an A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain
A(H3N2): an A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like strain and B: a B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like strain; so the B/Shanghai lineage is not covered by this year’s vaccine.

Dr Peter Moodie, PHARMAC Medical Director, says an analysis of the numbers of people who have received the subsidised vaccine will be conducted once the data is available.

NISG advises people, particularly those in high-risk groups, to get their influenza vaccination without delay as influenza activity is currently on the increase and it takes up to two weeks from vaccination for people to develop immunity. As the subsidised influenza season has now ended, patients will have to pay for influenza immunisation themselves.

Background Information on Influenza:

Influenza is a potentially serious viral infection – much worse than a cold. Complications of the illness can last for weeks, often confines you to bed and can carry the risk of permanent damage or death.

The influenza vaccine available in New Zealand cannot give you influenza as the vaccine does not contain any live viruses.

The influenza virus changes each year so it’s important that people are immunised annually to gain protection from the strains most likely to circulate.

Even when you are immunised you should practise good hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection. You should cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and then wash your hands. You should always use disposable tissues and stay at home when sick.

For further information go to http://www.influenza.org.nzor http://www.moh.govt.nzor call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

1National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)
NISG was formed in 2000 by the Ministry of Health to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

ends

© Scoop Media