Does seasonal flu vaccine work on swine flu?

MEDIA RELEASE
www.influenza.org.nz

April 28, 2009

Does seasonal influenza vaccine work on swine flu virus?

The National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG) 1 confirmed today that there is currently no vaccine available against the new swine influenza virus that has emerged in Mexico.

NISG also advises that Tamiflu is an anti-viral treatment for influenza – it is not a vaccine.

NISG promotes free seasonal influenza immunisation to New Zealanders at high risk of complications from this serious illness.

“Immunisation can help protect an individual against seasonal influenza strains that are already circulating in the world, but if a new strain of influenza virus emerges, the seasonal vaccine is unlikely to protect against it,” says NISG spokesperson Dr Nikki Turner.

She adds, however, that seasonal influenza immunisation is still worthwhile.

“By protecting yourself against other strains of influenza you are far less likely to have had the disease and be debilitated should you contract the new virus as well,” she explains.

Influenza immunisation is free for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - people aged 65 and over and people of any age including children, with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, kidney disease, immune suppression and most cancers. It is available free from a doctor or nurse to these groups until June 30.

Dr Turner says the influenza virus changes each year so annual immunisation is essential for best protection from this serious illness.

Between 10 and 20 per cent of the population are infected with influenza each year. In 2008, 474 New Zealanders were admitted to hospital for influenza.

This year’s influenza vaccine offers protection against an A Brisbane/10/2007(H3N2)-like strain, an A Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1)-like strain and a B /Florida/4/2006-like strain.

Members of the public who have travelled to Mexico or North America in the last fortnight should contact Healthline (0800 611 116) if they have flu-like symptoms or promptly seek medical advice.

ENDS

Background Information on Seasonal Influenza:

Influenza and ‘the Flu’ are the same thing. It is a potentially serious viral infection – much worse than a cold. The illness can last for weeks, often confines you to bed and can carry the risk of severe complications or death.

The influenza vaccine 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 with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing and then wash your hands. You should always stay at home when sick.

For further information on seasonal influenza immunisation go to www.fightflu.co.nz or www.moh.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

1National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)
NISG was formed in 2000 to help District Health Boards and the Ministry of Health to meet the national influenza immunisation target. It aims to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

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