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Demand exceeds Tamiflu supply
Last updated 05:00 13/06/2009
Heavy demand for anti-viral drug Tamiflu has left some Canterbury pharmacies running low, but new stock is due next week.
Emergency supplies had also been put aside for those needing urgent prescriptions filled, said the deputy chairman of the Canterbury Community Pharmacy Group, Peter Fear, said.
"New stocks will be arriving in Canterbury late on Tuesday, and wholesalers tell us that they are more than adequate to cope with anticipated demand," he said.
The Ministry of Health has 1.2 million doses of Tamiflu in reserve in the national stockpile to be released by district health boards when required.
Meanwhile, health experts urged people to get vaccinated against normal winter flus to reduce their risk of a "double whammy" if seasonal flu mixed with swine flu.
Communities also needed to look at limiting physical contact, such as hongi, to limit the spread of the virus, deputy director for Public Health Darren Hunt said.
"Historically, in previous pandemics, we have seen large numbers of cases amongst the Maori community, so that's something to keep in mind."
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said some iwi and hapu had discussed the risks of swine flu, and whether protocol relating to hongi on marae should be changed to reduce the risks.
New Zealand's Catholic bishops have issued new restrictions banning parishioners from receiving communion wafers on the tongue, communion wine from the chalice and from shaking hands as the sign of peace at masses.
The Government was also in "close contact" with WHO about accessing a swine flu vaccine when one was ready.
A Swiss pharmaceuticals company said it had successfully produced its first batch of swine flu vaccine. It was being considered for clinical trials.
General practitioners have requested improved access to masks, gloves and gowns to treat patients with swine flu.
Not all health boards had released funds to ensure general practices remained fully stocked with supplies, Medical Association chairman Peter Foley said.
Officials estimate seasonal flu hits 760,000 New Zealanders each year, causing 350 to 450 deaths.
-The Press
Demand exceeds Tamiflu supply
Last updated 05:00 13/06/2009
Heavy demand for anti-viral drug Tamiflu has left some Canterbury pharmacies running low, but new stock is due next week.
Emergency supplies had also been put aside for those needing urgent prescriptions filled, said the deputy chairman of the Canterbury Community Pharmacy Group, Peter Fear, said.
"New stocks will be arriving in Canterbury late on Tuesday, and wholesalers tell us that they are more than adequate to cope with anticipated demand," he said.
The Ministry of Health has 1.2 million doses of Tamiflu in reserve in the national stockpile to be released by district health boards when required.
Meanwhile, health experts urged people to get vaccinated against normal winter flus to reduce their risk of a "double whammy" if seasonal flu mixed with swine flu.
Communities also needed to look at limiting physical contact, such as hongi, to limit the spread of the virus, deputy director for Public Health Darren Hunt said.
"Historically, in previous pandemics, we have seen large numbers of cases amongst the Maori community, so that's something to keep in mind."
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said some iwi and hapu had discussed the risks of swine flu, and whether protocol relating to hongi on marae should be changed to reduce the risks.
New Zealand's Catholic bishops have issued new restrictions banning parishioners from receiving communion wafers on the tongue, communion wine from the chalice and from shaking hands as the sign of peace at masses.
The Government was also in "close contact" with WHO about accessing a swine flu vaccine when one was ready.
A Swiss pharmaceuticals company said it had successfully produced its first batch of swine flu vaccine. It was being considered for clinical trials.
General practitioners have requested improved access to masks, gloves and gowns to treat patients with swine flu.
Not all health boards had released funds to ensure general practices remained fully stocked with supplies, Medical Association chairman Peter Foley said.
Officials estimate seasonal flu hits 760,000 New Zealanders each year, causing 350 to 450 deaths.
-The Press
