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90,000 extra flu jabs flying in
By SUSAN PEPPEREL - Sunday Star Times Last updated 05:00 28/03/2010
Another 90,000 doses - on top of the 450,000 ordered in December - are on their way from Europe and Australia after health professionals reported a 7% increase in demand for the injection compared to this time last year.
The ministry is predicting the second wave of swine flu (H1N1) is most likely to hit in autumn and peak next month - ahead of the usual winter flu season. It expects the effect of swine flu to be similar, or slightly less severe than last year, when it was linked to at least 20 deaths in New Zealand.
Ministry experts say a larger or more severe wave is less likely, but planning is under way for that possibility should the virus spread or change.
Flu levels now are low and normal for this time of year. Last week no swabs collected from patients with influenza-like symptoms tested positive for the virus.
As well as H1N1, this year's vaccine also includes three Perth and Brisbane flu strains.
The vaccine is free to some at-risk groups including those over the age of 65, those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, or with heart disease or diabetes. Pregnant women and the morbidly obese can also be immunised free of charge. For those not eligible, the jab costs about $25.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that since the swine flu pandemic began in April last year, more than 213 countries reported cases and the virus has claimed almost 17,000 lives.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/3517570/90-000-extra-flu-jabs-flying-in
By SUSAN PEPPEREL - Sunday Star Times Last updated 05:00 28/03/2010
Another 90,000 doses - on top of the 450,000 ordered in December - are on their way from Europe and Australia after health professionals reported a 7% increase in demand for the injection compared to this time last year.
The ministry is predicting the second wave of swine flu (H1N1) is most likely to hit in autumn and peak next month - ahead of the usual winter flu season. It expects the effect of swine flu to be similar, or slightly less severe than last year, when it was linked to at least 20 deaths in New Zealand.
Ministry experts say a larger or more severe wave is less likely, but planning is under way for that possibility should the virus spread or change.
Flu levels now are low and normal for this time of year. Last week no swabs collected from patients with influenza-like symptoms tested positive for the virus.
As well as H1N1, this year's vaccine also includes three Perth and Brisbane flu strains.
The vaccine is free to some at-risk groups including those over the age of 65, those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, or with heart disease or diabetes. Pregnant women and the morbidly obese can also be immunised free of charge. For those not eligible, the jab costs about $25.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that since the swine flu pandemic began in April last year, more than 213 countries reported cases and the virus has claimed almost 17,000 lives.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/3517570/90-000-extra-flu-jabs-flying-in