The Health Minister Nicola Roxon in her press conference in Melbourne today (3rd of December 2009) urged families to have their children immunised against Swine flu. Infection rates in North America show a worrying trend; in Canadaover 500 children were sent to hospital over a 2 month period and some areas were seeing double the infection rates compared to previous year’s.

Since it’s release in September there have been > 5.1 million doses of Swine Flu administered nationally. All Australian’s are urged to take advantage of the free Swine Flu vaccine, with Pandemic H1N1 influenza remaining a global threat.

The Department of Health emphasises, that “ people, including children, who are travelling overseas where pandemic influenza is now prevalent and the vaccine in short supply, are particularly at risk and should ensure they are vaccinated. Even one dose for children will give a good protective boost against this disease”.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Jim Bishop said the vaccine was safe, but it was not recommended for children who are allergic to eggs. He also advised that the flu season may start a lot earlier next season, as it did in the Northern Hemisphere.

He further emphasised that pandemic flu was not like the usual seasonal flu, with Australian evidence showing serious health complications and deaths in younger, healthier people as well as pregnant women and others with underlying medical conditions. Alarmingly one third of deaths occurred in people with no previous medical conditions.

Next years seasonal flu will contain protection against pandemic H1N1, along with other flu strains, but supplies may be limited particularly at the beginning of the flu season and priority will be given to older people and those with underlying medical conditions. Mr Bishop also emphasises that seasonal flu will only be free to those who are eligible, otherwise it has to be purchased through the private market.

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