Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,27574,26128421-2682,00.html
Swine flu shots for SA
Article from: Sunday Mail (SA)
BRAD CROUCH
September 27, 2009 12:01am
THE first of 1.4 million doses of swine flu vaccine will be available to South Australians from Wednesday.
Health officials are urging pregnant women and people with chronic conditions to make immediate arrangements for a shot.
More than 300,000 doses have been distributed around the state so far, as part of a national program that cost taxpayers $100 million - Australia's largest immunisation campaign.
Twenty-five South Australians, most with pre-existing chronic conditions, have died of swine flu. Officials say for the vast majority of people, swine flu is no more serious than a normal flu and the disease appears to be on the wane.
Almost 9000 South Australians have tested positive for swine flu, officially called H1N1 influenza virus, including 520 who required hospital treatment.
As of last week, 21 patients with swine flu were being treated in hospital, including 10 in intensive care units.
The Panvax H1N1 vaccine, approved for use in people aged 10 years and older, will be available from GPs and from public clinics.
It was developed by pharmaceutical firm CSL, whose trials included testing 240 people recruited via the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Dr Katina D'Onise, of the Health Department's Communicable Disease Control Branch - who is six months pregnant - will receive one of the first shots on Wednesday.
As a public health physician, her job includes dealing with broad efforts to prevent the spread of disease.
She urged other pregnant women to see their GP about being immunised, saying the vaccine is safe for pregnant women. "Women who are pregnant are at greater risk of swine flu and this vaccination is a very good way to protect the pregnant woman and their unborn baby," she said.
"We have known for years that pregnant women are at greater risk of seasonal flu and they also are at greater risk from swine flu. They should make it a priority to have the vaccination."
Health Minister John Hill says everyone who wants a vaccination will be able to get one.
"We are providing training for health care workers and spending about $1.6 million to fund public vaccination clinics, so they can play their part in Australia's largest immunisation program," Mr Hill said.
"GPs will be the first port of call for most vaccinations, but we have also been working with councils so that they can offer the swine flu vaccine at nominated H1N1 vaccination clinics."
SA Chief Medical Officer Professor Paddy Phillips said swine flu was still in the community, and with the northern hemisphere's winter approaching, there was a possibility of travellers bringing the virus into South Australia.
Swine flu shots for SA
Article from: Sunday Mail (SA)
BRAD CROUCH
September 27, 2009 12:01am
THE first of 1.4 million doses of swine flu vaccine will be available to South Australians from Wednesday.
Health officials are urging pregnant women and people with chronic conditions to make immediate arrangements for a shot.
More than 300,000 doses have been distributed around the state so far, as part of a national program that cost taxpayers $100 million - Australia's largest immunisation campaign.
Twenty-five South Australians, most with pre-existing chronic conditions, have died of swine flu. Officials say for the vast majority of people, swine flu is no more serious than a normal flu and the disease appears to be on the wane.
Almost 9000 South Australians have tested positive for swine flu, officially called H1N1 influenza virus, including 520 who required hospital treatment.
As of last week, 21 patients with swine flu were being treated in hospital, including 10 in intensive care units.
The Panvax H1N1 vaccine, approved for use in people aged 10 years and older, will be available from GPs and from public clinics.
It was developed by pharmaceutical firm CSL, whose trials included testing 240 people recruited via the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Dr Katina D'Onise, of the Health Department's Communicable Disease Control Branch - who is six months pregnant - will receive one of the first shots on Wednesday.
As a public health physician, her job includes dealing with broad efforts to prevent the spread of disease.
She urged other pregnant women to see their GP about being immunised, saying the vaccine is safe for pregnant women. "Women who are pregnant are at greater risk of swine flu and this vaccination is a very good way to protect the pregnant woman and their unborn baby," she said.
"We have known for years that pregnant women are at greater risk of seasonal flu and they also are at greater risk from swine flu. They should make it a priority to have the vaccination."
Health Minister John Hill says everyone who wants a vaccination will be able to get one.
"We are providing training for health care workers and spending about $1.6 million to fund public vaccination clinics, so they can play their part in Australia's largest immunisation program," Mr Hill said.
"GPs will be the first port of call for most vaccinations, but we have also been working with councils so that they can offer the swine flu vaccine at nominated H1N1 vaccination clinics."
SA Chief Medical Officer Professor Paddy Phillips said swine flu was still in the community, and with the northern hemisphere's winter approaching, there was a possibility of travellers bringing the virus into South Australia.