Get protection against seasonal influenza

MEDIA RELEASE
www.influenza.org.nz

March 4, 2009

Get protection against seasonal influenza urges Minister

Influenza vaccine has arrived in New Zealand surgeries and Health Minister Tony Ryall was one of the first in line to be immunised against seasonal influenza at a Wellington surgery today.

“I have my influenza vaccination every year and I would encourage all eligible New Zealanders to take advantage of the free vaccination campaign to ensure they are protected from this virus. I understand it could be nastier than usual this winter,” says Mr Ryall.

Influenza immunisation is free for New Zealanders at high risk of complications -- people aged 65 and over, and anyone under 65 years of age [including children from 6 months] with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers. Funded vaccine is available free from a doctor or nurse to eligible groups until June 30, 2009.

The National Influenza Strategy Group1 (NISG), which promotes free immunisation to the eligible groups, says overall uptake of influenza vaccine increased by 1.5 percent to 756,750 doses in 2008 – a figure which NISG says needs to increase again in 2009.

NISG spokesperson and virologist, Dr Lance Jennings says that influenza can be a serious and potentially fatal disease particularly for people who have long term health conditions.

“Immunisation is our best protection – influenza is easily spread and anyone can catch it. It’s important to be immunised before winter as it can take up to two weeks from immunisation to develop immunity,” explains Dr Jennings.
He says New Zealand may be due for a more serious influenza season, as the past few have been mild.

This year’s influenza vaccine offers protection against a Brisbane H3N2-like strain, a Brisbane H1N1-like strain and a B strain.
The “Brisbane strains” killed six children in Australia last year and medical authorities in Europe have said it could be the most deadly influenza virus they have seen for 20 years, says Dr Jennings.
For further information go to www.influenza.org.nz or www.moh.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

ENDS

1National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)
NISG was formed in 2000 by the Ministry of Health to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

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