Swine Flu Vaccination Program Underway

(By Britt Ditterich - Bond University Journalism Student)

AUSTRALIA’S swine flu vaccination program is well underway following its introduction last week.

The Australian has reported doctors nation-wide have been inundated with requests for the free vaccine.

In a statement last week, Health Minister Nicola Roxon said one dose of the Panvax vaccine, developed by pharmaceutical firm CSL, had been deemed safe for preventing swine flu infections among adults by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Ms Roxon earmarked frontline health workers, the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill as those first to be vaccinated.

Locally, Varsity Lakes pharmacist Andrew Halec said he had already had numerous inquiries about the vaccine.

“The swine flu vaccine is only available through health clinics and medical centres, it’s not going through pharmacies yet, but we’ve had our share of inquiries,” he said.
“Mainly, people want to know whether they should take the tablets or get the vaccine.

“Obviously we recommend the vaccine because the Tamiflu tablets are designed to treat the infection while the vaccine is to prevent it.”
Awaiting further data from clinical trials, the TGA has stated it is yet to decide whether the vaccination program would be extended to children.
Local mother of four Montana Williams said she would happily have her children vaccinated.

“If they say it is safe I will have my children vaccinated, just like any other vaccination,” she said.

“I’ve always been a firm believer in vaccinations so for me it’s a simple choice.”

Queensland Health has recorded 41 deaths associated with swine flu, the most recent occurring late last week.