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http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Swine-Flu-Australia-Launches-Worlds-First-Nationwide-Vaccination-Programme/Article/200909415395887?lpos=World_News_Second_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15395887_Swine_Flu%3A_Australia_Launches_Worlds_First_Nationwide_Vaccination_Programme
Australia Rolls Out Swine Flu Vaccine Scheme
1:28pm UK, Wednesday September 30, 2009
Ian Woods, Sky correspondent in Sydney
Australia has become the first country in the world to launch a full-scale nationwide vaccination programme against swine flu.
Twenty one million doses of the vaccine have been bought by the government - enough for the entire population.
It was manufactured in Australia by the pharmaceutical firm CSL but for many people the inoculation will come too late.
The country has seen 178 deaths and more than 35,000 confirmed cases of the virus - though the figures are tailing off with the arrival of spring.
Consequently, the initial take-up of the vaccine has been slow.
"We've certainly not seen a stampede of people to the clinic," said Sydney GP Elizabeth Marles.
But doctors are urging vulnerable patients to get the jab, and people with asthma or diabetes are on the high-risk list, as well as pregnant women.
In Australia, members of Aboriginal communities are also considered a high priority because of poorer health standards, and the fact they often live in larger family groups, increasing the risk of infection.
Health workers are also being encouraged to get the vaccine.
Dr Marles said she would be urging some of her patients to get the jab.
She said: "With any kind of treatment you weigh up costs and benefits - if people are at risk of getting a serious dose of flu, it is definitely in their interests."
She said that one of her patients had asked for an injection because she was having visitors from the UK, and was worried about them bringing swine flu with them to Australia.
There is some pride among Australian health officials that they have been able to roll out the vaccine programme much quicker than most countries.
Swine Flu
Britain is still some weeks away from being able to offer inoculations.
Two of the jabs which have been ordered by the government have yet to be officially licensed and yet in Britain, with winter fast approaching, the demand and urgency is much greater than Australia.
A single shot lasts a year, so I decided to have an injection while visiting the clinic where Dr Marles works.
After all it will cover me for two winters - a British one, and next year's Australian winter.
Australia Rolls Out Swine Flu Vaccine Scheme
1:28pm UK, Wednesday September 30, 2009
Ian Woods, Sky correspondent in Sydney
Australia has become the first country in the world to launch a full-scale nationwide vaccination programme against swine flu.
Twenty one million doses of the vaccine have been bought by the government - enough for the entire population.
It was manufactured in Australia by the pharmaceutical firm CSL but for many people the inoculation will come too late.
The country has seen 178 deaths and more than 35,000 confirmed cases of the virus - though the figures are tailing off with the arrival of spring.
Consequently, the initial take-up of the vaccine has been slow.
"We've certainly not seen a stampede of people to the clinic," said Sydney GP Elizabeth Marles.
But doctors are urging vulnerable patients to get the jab, and people with asthma or diabetes are on the high-risk list, as well as pregnant women.
In Australia, members of Aboriginal communities are also considered a high priority because of poorer health standards, and the fact they often live in larger family groups, increasing the risk of infection.
Health workers are also being encouraged to get the vaccine.
Dr Marles said she would be urging some of her patients to get the jab.
She said: "With any kind of treatment you weigh up costs and benefits - if people are at risk of getting a serious dose of flu, it is definitely in their interests."
She said that one of her patients had asked for an injection because she was having visitors from the UK, and was worried about them bringing swine flu with them to Australia.
There is some pride among Australian health officials that they have been able to roll out the vaccine programme much quicker than most countries.
Swine Flu
Britain is still some weeks away from being able to offer inoculations.
Two of the jabs which have been ordered by the government have yet to be officially licensed and yet in Britain, with winter fast approaching, the demand and urgency is much greater than Australia.
A single shot lasts a year, so I decided to have an injection while visiting the clinic where Dr Marles works.
After all it will cover me for two winters - a British one, and next year's Australian winter.