H1N1 immunisation program
The immunisation program for H1N1 influenza began around Australia on September 30.
Although Tasmania is presently ‘between waves’, the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus (swine flu) is still circulating and may suddenly come back strongly at any stage.
Because this new virus has the potential to do more harm in the future, Tasmanians are encouraged to get vaccinated against it to protect themselves and their families.
- We encourage everyone, especially those at risk because of underlying medical conditions and people near to them, to arrange vaccination soon.
Find out if you or someone near to you may be at increased risk.
The vaccine
The vaccine is safe, tested and registered. It is now available for every person, initially over the age of 10, who wants it.
- One dose is required for adults. Results from the trials for children under the age of 10 years are expected soon. Once known, an announcement will be made about its use in children.
- Because of their young immune systems, infants aged 6 months and less can not receive any flu vaccine. So to protect these infants from pandemic H1N1 influenza, vaccination is strongly recommended for their parents, siblings and carers.
-
For some people, immunisation is not advisable. Find out if you should not seek vaccination.
Making an appointment to get vaccinated
Vaccination is being done through GP surgeries, so you can phone your regular doctor for an appointment.
The vaccine is free, but some clinics may charge a consulting fee to give it, others will bulk-bill — just like other GP appointments.
Your GP may be already booked up with Panvax H1N1 vaccinations when you first make contact. You may wish to wait, or to seek alternate methods of getting the vaccination.
- If you can’t get an appointment with your regular GP when you need or want it, look in the Yellow Pages for the nearest Travel Clinic or for an alternative GP.
- There are Travel Clinics in most areas of Tasmania. Some GP clinics are advertising Panvax H1N1 vaccination clinics in local newspapers, so check you local listings.
Travellers and Visitors
- Travellers and visitors to the State will be able to arrange immunisation through a GP, even though they are not residents.
- People travelling overseas, especially to the Northern Hemisphere, should have Panvax H1N1 vaccination three weeks prior to departure.
How vaccination helps everyone
People can get this vaccine whether they are more at risk to flu complications or not. This is because vaccination provides protection that extends beyond the one getting it.
In diseases like the flu there is a principle that if enough people in a community are immunised against it, then it becomes more difficult for that disease to spread – even to those who aren't immunised.
This is the concept of ‘herd immunity’. More immunity equals less impact from the disease, and in best-cases it may even be stamped out. Globally we’ve seen this with smallpox, and almost with polio. But because the flu virus changes all the time, the (seasonal and new) vaccines also have to change to keep up, and we need to get re-vaccinated every year to protect ourselves and our close ones.
So, even if you are not worried about the impact of the virus on yourself, your vaccination could give protection to someone near to you who is more at risk. Make a positive move to protect yourself and some one else now that you know why.
Questions and Answers
- If you have questions, you may find your queries answered by visiting the The Department of Health and Ageing's (DoHA) Health Emergency website.
- Read a fact sheet that explains why vaccination is important to us all.
Promotional Material
- You can download brochures, poster and advertisments from the DoHA website
About Panvax H1N1 Vaccine
- Read a fact sheet on what is and what is not in Panvax H1N1 vaccine.
- Australian vaccine manufacturer, CSL Biotherapies, has produced a website on Panvax for members of the public. The site has been developed to address questions and provide answers regarding the H1N1 vaccine. Visit www.h1n1vax.com.au.*
Further information on Panvax®H1N1 vaccine can be obtained by phoning CSL's Medical Information line on 1800 024 204.
*Some users may experience technical difficulties accessing this external site from within larger networked organisations. If so, please check with your organisation’s Information Technology department.
