http://www.smh.com.au/news/national...-as-bug-mutates/2008/03/08/1204780126534.html
Delay in flu vaccine as bug mutates
Louise Hall Health Reporter
March 9, 2008
STOCKS of the influenza vaccine will be delayed for a month because of difficulties in producing this year's formulation.
People over 65, who are at higher risk from complications of influenza including pneumonia and death, will be the first to be inoculated.
Pre-winter vaccinations were due to commence this month but manufacturers say they have experienced very low yields of the two new strains included in this year's vaccine, resulting in longer production times.
The influenza virus mutates constantly and the vaccine is changed each year to match the circulating strains.
A Department of Health and Ageing spokeswoman said government-funded free vaccine programs for over 65s would be given priority over supplies for the rest of the population, who can request the jabs from their general practitioners.
"Vaccine to the private market will still be available but there will be a delay of approximately four weeks compared to previous years. However, supplies to the most vulnerable groups are assured," she said.
In a severe year, about 20 per cent of Australians contract influenza and even healthy young adults might take several weeks to recover.
Source: The Sun-Herald
Delay in flu vaccine as bug mutates
Louise Hall Health Reporter
March 9, 2008
STOCKS of the influenza vaccine will be delayed for a month because of difficulties in producing this year's formulation.
People over 65, who are at higher risk from complications of influenza including pneumonia and death, will be the first to be inoculated.
Pre-winter vaccinations were due to commence this month but manufacturers say they have experienced very low yields of the two new strains included in this year's vaccine, resulting in longer production times.
The influenza virus mutates constantly and the vaccine is changed each year to match the circulating strains.
A Department of Health and Ageing spokeswoman said government-funded free vaccine programs for over 65s would be given priority over supplies for the rest of the population, who can request the jabs from their general practitioners.
"Vaccine to the private market will still be available but there will be a delay of approximately four weeks compared to previous years. However, supplies to the most vulnerable groups are assured," she said.
In a severe year, about 20 per cent of Australians contract influenza and even healthy young adults might take several weeks to recover.
Source: The Sun-Herald