Australians miss point on swine flu vaccination
9 October 2009
Only 37 per cent of Australians are planning on taking up the offer of free pandemic influenza vaccination, initial results of a myDr survey have shown. Even more survey respondents (42 per cent) say they are not planning to be vaccinated as the Government’s free swine flu vaccination programme rolls out across Australia. Twenty-one per cent are undecided whether they will get vaccinated.
People most vulnerable to complications from swine flu, such as those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, diabetes, cancer, or who are immunosuppressed, appear to be aware of their raised risk, but safety is a concern for some. "I'm pregnant and know that I am in a high risk group but I don't feel like there has been enough information as to what the side effects would be towards my unborn baby. I am really torn.", wrote one respondent.
Experts’ reassurance on the safety of the vaccine, which addressed fears around concentration of mercury in the vaccine, appears not to be penetrating the wider community, with other survey respondents voicing issues about the speed of vaccine development: "(it) takes 10 years or more to register a drug, this pig flu injectable in only months - you are kidding!!!" and "vaccine not properly tested – don’t trust vaccines" being 2 comments.
The Government’s concern, as voiced by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Jim Bishop, is that while the normal winter influenza season is on the wane, pandemic influenza may continue into summer as it has done in the northern hemisphere. There is also the chance of the pandemic flu returning in a more virulent form. At 30 September, 180 Australians had died as a result of pandemic swine flu and more than 4700 had been hospitalised.
All States and Territories are now offering free vaccine (brand name Panvax) to adults and children 10 years and over in what is potentially Australia’s largest ever vaccination programme. When the Therapeutic Goods Administration registers the vaccine for use in younger children, the vaccination program will extend to children under 10.
Consumer Medicines Information - Panvax
Last Reviewed: 09 October 2009
- 1. The Hon Nicola Roxon MP. Minister for Health and Ageing. 2009 Media Release. 30 September 2009. Free pandemic flu vaccine available for all.
