NZ - Vulnerable Kiwis urged to take up free seasonal flu jab before June

[Sally Furniss]

Vulnerable Kiwis urged to take up free flu jab before June
Thu, 04 Jun 2009
With less than a month left for people to get a free flu jab, health authorities are concerned that many vulnerable people have not taken up their free immunisation.

Influenza immunisation is free for those aged 65 and over, and people with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, cancer and heart disease.

The vaccination is available free from a doctor or nurse to those groups until June 30. The disease tended to peak in July and August, and it may take up to two weeks from vaccination to develop immunity.

Last winter, only 35 percent of people with chronic illnesses and 64 percent of those 65 years and over received an influenza vaccination, National Influenza Strategy Group spokesman Dr Lance Jennings said.

A record 840,000 doses of vaccine had already been distributed this year.

The vaccine did not protect against swine flu, but offered protection against the A Brisbane/10/2007(H3N2), A Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1) and B /Florida/4/2006 strains of seasonal influenza.

Influenza is a potentially serious viral infection that can last for weeks and can carry the risk of severe complications or death.

http://www.3news.co.nz/News/Health/...rticleID/107248/Default.aspx?ArticleID=107248

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ - Vulnerable Kiwis urged to take up free seasonal flu jab before June

Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0906/S00020.htm

Seasonal flu, many vulnerable people unprotected
Thursday, 4 June 2009, 4:31 pm
Press Release: Ministry of Health

MEDIA RELEASE
www.influenza.org.nz
June 4, 2009

Seasonal influenza here ? many vulnerable people unprotected

As the first cases of seasonal influenza hit New Zealand, health officials from the National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)1 are concerned that still many vulnerable people may not be protected from this serious disease, despite a record uptake of the vaccine this year.

In 2008, only 35 percent of people with chronic illnesses and 64 percent of those 65 years and over, who were eligible for free immunisation, received an influenza vaccination.

?With less than a month left for people to get their free vaccination, we are concerned that there are still many at high risk of complications from influenza who may not have yet received their immunisation. These people may not have the protection they need and some could end up in hospital if they catch influenza this winter,? explains NISG spokesperson and virus expert, Dr Lance Jennings.

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.
According to the most recent surveillance2 of key general practices collated by the Environmental Science and Research (ESR) centre, seasonal influenza cases are being identified in New Zealand.

The disease has peaked in July and August in recent years and it?s important that people are vaccinated as soon as possible because it may take up to two weeks from vaccination to develop immunity.

Dr Jennings says people who are eligible for free vaccination should contact their surgery as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.

More New Zealanders have received seasonal influenza immunisation this year than ever before. Around 840,000 doses of vaccine have already been distributed.

Vaccine is still available and it offers protection against the A Brisbane/10/2007(H3N2), A Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1) and B /Florida/4/2006 strains of seasonal influenza.

The current seasonal vaccine is, however, not likely to protect people against the non-seasonal influenza A (HINI) virus, commonly called ?swine flu?.

Meanwhile, anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms should phone their GP or call Healthline (0800 611 116). Anyone who is unwell should not travel.

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.

To find out the difference between a cold and influenza go to www.fightflu.co.nz

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 by the Ministry of Health to help District Health Boards and the Ministry meet the national influenza immunisation target. The group aims to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

2 ESR Surveillance report

http://www.surv.esr.cri.nz/virology/influenza_weekly_update.php