News
Seasonal Flu Shots Available
Seasonal flu vaccination, including vaccination against pandemic influenza (H1N1 or swine flu), is available to South Canterbury people starting this week.
GP practices have been stocking up on the flu vaccine and will be offering it free of charge to people who are aged 65 and over, people of all ages who are very overweight, pregnant women, and people with cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, renal disease, cancer, and other long term conditions. The Ministry of Health has also told GPs to use their discretion and offer free vaccination to children under five who come from “high deprivation backgrounds”.
People who do not fall into the categories above can either pay for vaccination at their GP practice, or receive it as part of a workplace vaccination programme paid for by their employer.
“In previous years the vaccine has not been free for pregnant women or people who are very overweight, but experience last winter showed these people have a greater risk of serious complications from H1N1,” says South Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Daniel Williams. “Northern hemisphere evidence suggests the H1N1 strain may return in New Zealand as early as this month and is likely to be the main flu strain this winter.”
Early flu vaccination started last month for front-line health workers and at-risk patients. More than 90 frontline staff at Timaru Hospital and in primary care have received the early vaccine.
While the early vaccine only protects against pandemic flu (H1N1), the seasonal flu vaccine now available from GP practices also protects against two other common flu viruses known as Perth/16/2009(H3N2)-like virus, and Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
“Whether you are vaccinated or not, it is still important to take common sense precautions to prevent the spread of colds and flu this winter. These include covering your coughs and sneezes, washing and drying your hands, and staying home if you are sick,” Dr Williams says.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flu and Flu Vaccination
What is influenza?
Influenza is an infectious illness caused by a virus. It is primarily spread from person to person by the aerosol route, via inhalation of droplets formed during coughing and sneezing, or by direct contact with articles contaminated with respiratory secretions.
Influenza usually begins abruptly and can include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, non-productive cough, runny nose, sore throat and mild conjunctivitis. It is different from the common cold.
The influenza viruses that circulate in the community can change from year to year. Occasionally influenza viruses emerge that are completely new, and can cause global pandemics. This is what we have seen recently with Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu). This virus is likely to again be the predominant strain in New Zealand in 2010
The clinical definition of influenza includes the following criteria.
• Fever greater or equal to 38°C
• At least one respiratory symptom- cough, sore throat, nasal symptoms such as a runny nose
• At least one systemic symptom- headache, myalgia (aches/pains), sweats/chills (feeling feverish), lethargy (fatigue).
What is pandemic influenza or swine flu?
The current pandemic is sometimes referred to as swine flu. The virus was first detected in people in Mexico and the United States in April 2009. It may have been circulating in Mexico for some weeks before that. By early June 2009, over 70 countries had reported people who had at some time been sick with the new virus.
The new pandemic influenza can spread from person-to-person, in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. It is a different strain of influenza from the seasonal viruses which have previously circulated around New Zealand in winter. The new pandemic influenza has developed from the re-assortment of a number of other influenza viruses.
How can you can catch influenza?
All strains of influenza, including Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu), are spread in the community in the same way. The main form of transmission is through the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Infected droplets are released into the air and breathed in by others. However, these droplets do not remain in the air for long and generally only affect people within a two metre radius.
It is also possible to get influenza by touching contaminated surfaces, and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
I’m pregnant, why am I at higher risk from Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu)?
You are at higher risk because studies have shown that all pregnant women are at greater risk from complications associated with influenza illness, from both Pandemic Influenza and other influenza strains. Furthermore influenza vaccination of pregnant women has been shown to decrease the incidence of influenza in their new-born babies.
Pregnant women with coexisting medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes are at even greater risk of severe influenza-related illness, with a three to four times higher risk of having severe influenza.
Maternal influenza infection has been associated with an increased risk of maternal hospitalisation, fetal malformations and other illnesses.
I’m pregnant, is the vaccine safe for me and my baby?
International evidence on the safety of the seasonal influenza vaccine shows no evidence of harm to the fetus from immunisation of pregnant women using inactivated virus vaccines.
Both the United States Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) and the Australian NHMRC recommend that pregnant women should be vaccinated before the influenza season, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or midwife about getting vaccinated if have questions about it.
The vaccine is free in 2010 for all pregnant women.
I’ve heard that many people over 65 are already immune to Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu). Should I get the influenza vaccine this year?
Individuals 65 years and older are not expected to be at higher risk from Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) as they are likely to have some pre-existing immunity. However they do remain at risk from seasonal influenza strains so it’s recommended they have the seasonal influenza vaccine every year when it is available from their doctor or nurse.
For older people living in the community, influenza vaccine is associated with a 26 percent reduction in risk of hospitalisation for influenza or pneumonia and 42 percent reduction in the risk of death.
How do vaccines work?
When a person is given a vaccine, the immune system (the body’s natural defence system) will produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. It takes about two weeks for the body to produce this protection. The seasonal influenza vaccine is not a live vaccine and therefore none of the ingredients can cause influenza.
Is the seasonal influenza vaccine safe?
The technology to make influenza vaccines has been in use for 60 years and it has an excellent safety record.
Is it true that getting the influenza vaccination puts you at risk of getting influenza?
No. Influenza immunisation cannot cause influenza because the seasonal influenza vaccine contains no live viruses. The vaccine contains fragments of disrupted (inactivated) virus. It stimulates the immune system to make antibodies that protect against circulating influenza viruses.
Many other viruses are also present throughout the year, so people may catch a different respiratory infection with ‘flu-like’ symptoms around the same time they are immunised and unfairly blame the influenza vaccine.
The influenza vaccine is generally well tolerated. Some side-effects have been reported and usually disappear within one or two days without treatment.
How long will it take for me to have immunity with the seasonal influenza vaccination?
Protective antibody levels develop within two weeks from being vaccinated, after which you will have the best protection against influenza.
I’m worried about getting the vaccination. Who should I talk to for more advice?
Speak to your doctor or practice nurse if you have concerns about getting vaccinated, or phone the immunisation advice line 0800 IMMUNE (466863).
Arlene Goss
Communications Advisor
South Canterbury District Health Board
Private Bag 911, Timaru
Ph: 03 684 1395
Fax: 03 688 0238
Mobile: 027 276 4259
GP practices have been stocking up on the flu vaccine and will be offering it free of charge to people who are aged 65 and over, people of all ages who are very overweight, pregnant women, and people with cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, renal disease, cancer, and other long term conditions. The Ministry of Health has also told GPs to use their discretion and offer free vaccination to children under five who come from “high deprivation backgrounds”.
People who do not fall into the categories above can either pay for vaccination at their GP practice, or receive it as part of a workplace vaccination programme paid for by their employer.
“In previous years the vaccine has not been free for pregnant women or people who are very overweight, but experience last winter showed these people have a greater risk of serious complications from H1N1,” says South Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Daniel Williams. “Northern hemisphere evidence suggests the H1N1 strain may return in New Zealand as early as this month and is likely to be the main flu strain this winter.”
Early flu vaccination started last month for front-line health workers and at-risk patients. More than 90 frontline staff at Timaru Hospital and in primary care have received the early vaccine.
While the early vaccine only protects against pandemic flu (H1N1), the seasonal flu vaccine now available from GP practices also protects against two other common flu viruses known as Perth/16/2009(H3N2)-like virus, and Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
“Whether you are vaccinated or not, it is still important to take common sense precautions to prevent the spread of colds and flu this winter. These include covering your coughs and sneezes, washing and drying your hands, and staying home if you are sick,” Dr Williams says.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flu and Flu Vaccination
What is influenza?
Influenza is an infectious illness caused by a virus. It is primarily spread from person to person by the aerosol route, via inhalation of droplets formed during coughing and sneezing, or by direct contact with articles contaminated with respiratory secretions.
Influenza usually begins abruptly and can include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, non-productive cough, runny nose, sore throat and mild conjunctivitis. It is different from the common cold.
The influenza viruses that circulate in the community can change from year to year. Occasionally influenza viruses emerge that are completely new, and can cause global pandemics. This is what we have seen recently with Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu). This virus is likely to again be the predominant strain in New Zealand in 2010
The clinical definition of influenza includes the following criteria.
• Fever greater or equal to 38°C
• At least one respiratory symptom- cough, sore throat, nasal symptoms such as a runny nose
• At least one systemic symptom- headache, myalgia (aches/pains), sweats/chills (feeling feverish), lethargy (fatigue).
What is pandemic influenza or swine flu?
The current pandemic is sometimes referred to as swine flu. The virus was first detected in people in Mexico and the United States in April 2009. It may have been circulating in Mexico for some weeks before that. By early June 2009, over 70 countries had reported people who had at some time been sick with the new virus.
The new pandemic influenza can spread from person-to-person, in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. It is a different strain of influenza from the seasonal viruses which have previously circulated around New Zealand in winter. The new pandemic influenza has developed from the re-assortment of a number of other influenza viruses.
How can you can catch influenza?
All strains of influenza, including Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu), are spread in the community in the same way. The main form of transmission is through the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Infected droplets are released into the air and breathed in by others. However, these droplets do not remain in the air for long and generally only affect people within a two metre radius.
It is also possible to get influenza by touching contaminated surfaces, and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
I’m pregnant, why am I at higher risk from Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu)?
You are at higher risk because studies have shown that all pregnant women are at greater risk from complications associated with influenza illness, from both Pandemic Influenza and other influenza strains. Furthermore influenza vaccination of pregnant women has been shown to decrease the incidence of influenza in their new-born babies.
Pregnant women with coexisting medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes are at even greater risk of severe influenza-related illness, with a three to four times higher risk of having severe influenza.
Maternal influenza infection has been associated with an increased risk of maternal hospitalisation, fetal malformations and other illnesses.
I’m pregnant, is the vaccine safe for me and my baby?
International evidence on the safety of the seasonal influenza vaccine shows no evidence of harm to the fetus from immunisation of pregnant women using inactivated virus vaccines.
Both the United States Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) and the Australian NHMRC recommend that pregnant women should be vaccinated before the influenza season, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or midwife about getting vaccinated if have questions about it.
The vaccine is free in 2010 for all pregnant women.
I’ve heard that many people over 65 are already immune to Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu). Should I get the influenza vaccine this year?
Individuals 65 years and older are not expected to be at higher risk from Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) as they are likely to have some pre-existing immunity. However they do remain at risk from seasonal influenza strains so it’s recommended they have the seasonal influenza vaccine every year when it is available from their doctor or nurse.
For older people living in the community, influenza vaccine is associated with a 26 percent reduction in risk of hospitalisation for influenza or pneumonia and 42 percent reduction in the risk of death.
How do vaccines work?
When a person is given a vaccine, the immune system (the body’s natural defence system) will produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. It takes about two weeks for the body to produce this protection. The seasonal influenza vaccine is not a live vaccine and therefore none of the ingredients can cause influenza.
Is the seasonal influenza vaccine safe?
The technology to make influenza vaccines has been in use for 60 years and it has an excellent safety record.
Is it true that getting the influenza vaccination puts you at risk of getting influenza?
No. Influenza immunisation cannot cause influenza because the seasonal influenza vaccine contains no live viruses. The vaccine contains fragments of disrupted (inactivated) virus. It stimulates the immune system to make antibodies that protect against circulating influenza viruses.
Many other viruses are also present throughout the year, so people may catch a different respiratory infection with ‘flu-like’ symptoms around the same time they are immunised and unfairly blame the influenza vaccine.
The influenza vaccine is generally well tolerated. Some side-effects have been reported and usually disappear within one or two days without treatment.
How long will it take for me to have immunity with the seasonal influenza vaccination?
Protective antibody levels develop within two weeks from being vaccinated, after which you will have the best protection against influenza.
I’m worried about getting the vaccination. Who should I talk to for more advice?
Speak to your doctor or practice nurse if you have concerns about getting vaccinated, or phone the immunisation advice line 0800 IMMUNE (466863).
Arlene Goss
Communications Advisor
South Canterbury District Health Board
Private Bag 911, Timaru
Ph: 03 684 1395
Fax: 03 688 0238
Mobile: 027 276 4259