The Midwest vaccination program against pandemic H1N1 influenza will begin on Wednesday 30 September.

Dr Marisa Gilles, Public Health Physician, encouraged all residents to be vaccinated, particularly those most at risk of severe outcomes from human swine flu.

“While mild in most cases, human swine flu has had severe effects for some, with more than 800 people hospitalised and 24 deaths associated with pandemic flu in WA over the last few months,” Dr Gilles said.

“Those most at risk if they contract the virus include pregnant women, Indigenous people, and people with underlying medical conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, severe obesity and conditions that suppress the immune system.

“Health care workers and community care workers should also get vaccinated in order to reduce risk to their patients and clients.

People in these groups are urged to seek vaccination as soon as possible after the commencement of the vaccination program.”

At present the vaccine can only be given to adults and children over 10 years of age.

It is hoped that the vaccine will be available later in the year for children aged between 6 months and 10 years, when information on its safety and effectiveness in younger children has been considered.

Vaccination will be available from normal vaccination providers, such as GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community health clinics.

In the Midwest region, vaccination clinics specifically for pandemic flu will also be available from:

1. Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service will be offering pandemic vaccination clinics Tuesdays starting on the 6th of October. Please ring the service for more details,
2. Carnarvon Medical Centre will be offering specific flu clinics after the 5th October – please ring the surgery for more details,
3. Geraldton Community Health  will be offering pandemic vaccination clinics Thursdays from 12.30 - 3.30pm starting on the 8th of October.

Residents of some more remote locations should be aware that the vaccine may not arrive in their locality by the time the vaccination program commences on 30 September.

There is no charge for the vaccine itself, however GPs may charge a consultation fee, most of which is refunded by Medicare.

Dr Gilles said that even though the warmer months were approaching, people still needed to protect themselves against pandemic flu.

“Northern hemisphere countries have recorded many cases of pandemic flu over their summer, and the virus may continue to circulate in Australia during the warmer months.

“It is also possible that pandemic flu could return and affect large numbers of people in the 2010 Australian winter.

“It is never too late to gain immunity, so I encourage all Midwest residents to take advantage of the vaccination program.”

For further details, people can contact the Pandemic Flu hotline on 180 2007, the Midwest Population Health on 99561985, or visit the Department of Health website:
 
http://www.health.wa.gov.au/swine_flu