Most of the 1531 people in Otago and Southland who received
the single-strain swine-flu vaccine were healthcare workers.
Figures released by Public Health South last week showed that
972 healthcare workers and 559 patients considered at
increased risk from the illness took the first dose of the
two-dose vaccine.
Otago and Southland Medical officer of health Dr Marion Poore
said 773 of these took the second dose, while others opted to
use the new multi-strain seasonal vaccine as their second
dose.
This single-dose vaccine arrived earlier than expected and is
designed to protect against H1N1 plus two other influenza
strains.
Dr Poore said having 1500 people take up the monovalent
vaccine was a great effort.
"We are really pleased people are taking the influenza
immunisation seriously."
Balclutha GP Dr Branko Sijnja said last week the early
arrival of the seasonal vaccine had caused some confusion in
a clinic in the town.
Some people had received the first dose of the monovalent
vaccine which could be followed by the second dose, or they
could choose to have the seasonal vaccine instead of the
second single-strain dose.
Differing opinions had been given about the desirable gap
between two such vaccinations and he had eventually
established it should be four weeks rather than the three
which would apply to those having the two-dose single-strain
vaccine.
More than 100 appointments had to be changed to allow for the
longer gap, which had involved bringing in extra staff.
The situation had not resulted in any vaccine wastage, he
said.
Dr Poore said those wanting the seasonal flu vaccination
could get it from their general practices and in some places
it was being offered in the workplace.
The people considered most at risk of H1N1 are those under 65
with underlying chronic illness, pregnant women, children
under 5 and the obese (with a body mass index of more than
35).
People in the groups mentioned, along with those over 65,
qualify for free vaccinations.
elspeth.mclean@odt.co.nz
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