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Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-new...sks-swine-flu-outbreak-mbf-20091223-lc0g.html
Australia risks swine flu outbreak: MBF
December 23, 2009 - 2:34AM
AAP
Australia risks a serious swine flu outbreak because 65 per cent of people say they are unlikely to get vaccinations during 2010, the private health insurance firm MBF says.
The firm, now part of the British-based BUPA group, says that although the number of domestic cases has waned since last winter, the disease is still a major threat, particularly because cases are increasing in the northern hemisphere.
"The number of cases and deaths from this disease is increasing at an alarming rate into the winter months in the northern hemisphere, with more than 22 million people in the USA infected and 10,500 people dying from the disease," BUPA Australia's chief medical officer Dr Christine Bennett says.
She said the number of Australians travelling overseas and visitors to Australia in coming months could help spread the illness.
Research conducted for MBF showed of those planning to travel to the northern hemisphere on holiday 71 per cent did not intend to get vaccinated against swine flu.
A total of 65 per cent of Australians who are currently unprotected against the disease also say they do not plan to get vaccinated, the MBF research showed.
Less than half of those surveyed with existing underlying illnesses such as asthma or diabetes - putting them at higher risk from swine flu - had been vaccinated.
"It is worrying that the majority of people, even those most at risk of complications, haven't been vaccinated and don't intend to protect themselves in the coming year," Dr Bennett added.
Australia has had 37,000 confirmed cases of swine flu and 191 deaths, MBF says.
Australia risks swine flu outbreak: MBF
December 23, 2009 - 2:34AM
AAP
Australia risks a serious swine flu outbreak because 65 per cent of people say they are unlikely to get vaccinations during 2010, the private health insurance firm MBF says.
The firm, now part of the British-based BUPA group, says that although the number of domestic cases has waned since last winter, the disease is still a major threat, particularly because cases are increasing in the northern hemisphere.
"The number of cases and deaths from this disease is increasing at an alarming rate into the winter months in the northern hemisphere, with more than 22 million people in the USA infected and 10,500 people dying from the disease," BUPA Australia's chief medical officer Dr Christine Bennett says.
She said the number of Australians travelling overseas and visitors to Australia in coming months could help spread the illness.
Research conducted for MBF showed of those planning to travel to the northern hemisphere on holiday 71 per cent did not intend to get vaccinated against swine flu.
A total of 65 per cent of Australians who are currently unprotected against the disease also say they do not plan to get vaccinated, the MBF research showed.
Less than half of those surveyed with existing underlying illnesses such as asthma or diabetes - putting them at higher risk from swine flu - had been vaccinated.
"It is worrying that the majority of people, even those most at risk of complications, haven't been vaccinated and don't intend to protect themselves in the coming year," Dr Bennett added.
Australia has had 37,000 confirmed cases of swine flu and 191 deaths, MBF says.