Swine flu vaccinations roll out

30 Sep 2009, 8:55 am   -   Source: AAP
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Swine flu vaccines are now available to all Australians. (EPA)

Swine flu vaccines are now available to all Australians. (EPA)

The swine flu vaccine is available from today and health authorities are encouraging the sick and elderly to get a free shot.

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The swine flu vaccine is available from today and health authorities are encouraging the sick and elderly to get a free shot.

Australia's biggest ever vaccination program is set to begin after the Federal Government purchased 21 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine.

Health authorities say priority will be given to people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant women and those with cancer and other malignancies, but anyone who wants to be immunised can get a shot from their local GP.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon says all Australians aged over 10 should consider being vaccinated, with about five million doses available this week, the plan is for 21 million flu shots to be provided free of charge by January.
   
She denies the vaccine's arrived too late and says it'll protect the community before the next flu season.

'Everyone should be vaccinated'

The first injections will be given to those most at risk from swine flu, says Professor Robert Booy, but all Australians should make a booking with their GP to have the vaccine.
   
More than four million doses have been produced and "there will be hundreds of thousands coming into play on a weekly basis", says Prof Booy, head of clinical research at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.

"Most (injections) will be given by practise nurses, within larger practises, who will be following very carefully the safety protocols for the management of using multi-dose vials," says Professor Booy.
   
"Some certainly will be given by GPs but I think the great majority of doses will be given by highly professional practise nurses."

The injections will be administered at GP clinics, community centres and hospitals.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the vaccine for use by people aged over 10 years. A trial of its effectiveness in children is continuing.

'Vigorous trials'

A single standard dose of the matched A(H1N1) vaccine has been shown to produce a strong immune response against the swine flu in over 95 per cent of healthy adults.

Prof Booy says the vaccine, developed by the Melbourne-based CSL Ltd, had passed a more rigorous trial than that required of vaccines made for conventional seasonal flu.

"I have no qualms at all about being vaccinated myself, and as soon as its possible and available I'll get my vaccine," he says.

"I've certainly encouraged anyone who is near and dear to me - such as my sister who has a chronic respiratory condition - to get her vaccination as soon as is practicable."
 

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Your Comments

Taiwan locally produced flu vaccine made available to the public

Jenetoc - from ACT, 3 years ago

Taiwan’s second phase of administering vaccinations against influenza A(H1N1) began on November 16, 2009. A total of 3.91 million people, including elementary school students, preschoolers aged 1 to 6, pregnant women and those who are seriously ill, are eligible for the shots. The Ministry of Education hopes the immunization of all elementary and high school students will be completed before the winter virus peak in December. http://www.taiwanembassy.org/ct.asp?xItem=117564&ctNode=2237&mp=1

yum yum vaccine

MICK - from sunny coast, 3 years ago

How about posting the ingredients for all to see ...................... or is it TOP SECRET ..... EVERYONE VISIT WWW.theflucase.com

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