Early protection influenza vaccination programme for Northland

Frontline health workers and at-risk people are being offered a pandemic influenza (swine flu) vaccine in Northland and other parts of New Zealand from this week.  The vaccination programme is part of a two stage national roll out.

The first stage in February is to offer a stand-alone swine flu vaccine for health workers, pregnant women, those with chronic and respiratory illness and some children aged under five.  In March the usual autumn seasonal influenza vaccine programme will start which will also include protection against swine flu.

Northland District Health Board Medical Officer of Health Dr Jonathan Jarman said the reason for the February vaccination programme is to provide early protection.

"These pandemics normally come back in a second wave and we are not sure if this one is going to be early."

During 2009 fifty-six Northlanders were hospitalised with severe H1N1 infection. 

The February pandemic vaccine is different from the normal seasonal influenza vaccine and two injections are required to provide full protection from swine flu.

"A lot of people will probably wait for the seasonal influenza vaccine which is going to be available in March."

"But if people are worried about an early resurgence of swine flu then the February pandemic influenza vaccine will be the vaccine for them."

Northland District Health Board is offering free early protection vaccinations for its front line health staff and general practices in Northland are offering vaccinations for their staff as well as people who are at risk from swine flu.

Influenza is a significant public health issue in New Zealand. Each year it has a large impact on our community, with 10-20% of New Zealanders infected. Some of these people become so ill they need hospital care, and a small number die.^[1]

For more information visit http://www.moh.govt.nz/influenza or contact the Immunisation Advisory's toll-free number 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863).

Facts about pandemic influenza

What are the symptoms of influenza?

• Fever and chills
• Headache and a sore throat
• A sore chest
• Coughing and sneezing
• Body aches and pains
• Extreme tiredness

How is the monovalent pandemic influenza (swine flu) vaccine administered?

Produced by Baxter Healthcare, the vaccine protects against H1N1 influenza only.  This vaccine currently requires two doses, three weeks apart.


Who is eligible to receive the pandemic monovalent vaccine?

• Frontline healthcare workers - staff in general practice, emergency departments, intensive care units and those who may have direct contact with at-risk patients.
• People under 65 years of age (including children) with underlying health conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal disease, cancer and other conditions.
• Pregnant women.
• People who are morbidly obese.
• And all children aged from 6 months to their fifth birthday enrolled in designated practices that have high proportions of people who are Maori, Pacific and/or from high deprivation areas.

How can you prevent infection?

Good hygiene practices - covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing with soap and water, and dry thoroughly, and staying away from others if you're sick.  These simple steps can protect not only yourself but others in the wider community

ENDS

For further information contact:

Fleur King - Public Relations Manager
Northland District Health Board  
Phone: 09 470 0000 extn 3315
Mobile: 021 730 543
Facsimile: 09 470 0001
Website: http://www.northlanddhb.org.nz/  

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[1] Ministry of Health http://www.moh.govt.nz/