Media Release

7 October 2009

Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 154

There are few changes to report and influenza activity including swine flu is now the same as would be expected at this time of year.

As at midday today four people are in hospital with confirmed swine flu (H1N1) 09 or its complications – up from two last week.

The cumulative total of people in New Zealand who have returned a positive laboratory test for swine flu (H1N1) 09 is 3174, up 11 from last week

The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) swine flu is unchanged from last week at 18. Some deaths are still being investigated by the Coroner.

Vaccination

Health Minister Tony Ryall says the first of the 300,000 doses of swine flu vaccine for the protection of frontline health workers on order from Baxter Healthcare Ltd arrived in September. He says 72,000 doses are now in the country and the remainder will be here by December.

"The vaccine will be available for use following assessment by Medsafe. This is expected to be in February 2010. If circumstances change the vaccine could be assessed and potentially used more quickly" says Mr Ryall.

"The WHO has recommended the seasonal flu vaccine for the southern hemisphere 2010 flu season should contain the swine flu (H1N1) 09 strain " says Mr Ryall.

The seasonal influenza immunisation programme usually runs from 1 March to 20 June.

Seasonal immunisation is available to everyone through their health provider and to some people through their employer. It is subsidised for those aged 6 months to 64 years with certain pre-existing health conditions, and for all those over 65.

The Minister says New Zealand health authorities are continuing to monitor international developments but are not at this stage recommending swine flu vaccination for the general population.

Healthline Calls

The percentage of callers to Healthline with influenza-like symptoms continues to decline and is now at a rate similar to last year.

GP Consultations

The number of GP consultations based on a sample of sentinel practices, continues to decline and is only slightly higher than at the same time in the last two years.

The data is from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research's (ESR) sentinel general practice surveillance system.

Australian Situation

For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing website at: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/updates

International Update from the World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/en/

ENDS

For health information and advice, the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116
For latest updates on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, visit http://www.moh.govt.nz
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For media queries related to this update, please call the National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk at +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805 or email H1N1comms@moh.govt.nz