Confusion on flu jabs 'may spark epidemic'

Doctors and health officials fear confusion over flu jabs could result in many vulnerable people choosing not to get vaccinated at all, increasing the risk of an epidemic.

Pharmac has managed to secure another 8000 fully effective doses to add to 150,000 sourced after it was revealed stock made by Sanofi Pasteur may not be effective against the A/Wellington strain of flu, one of three common in New Zealand.

The country is still 542,000 jabs short and many people will have to rely on less-effective vaccination.

However, the Manukau Counties director of primary care development, Dr Allan Moffitt, said there was concern the public might be confused by the situation and abandon any plans to have the vaccine.

"If they feel it may not be as effective it may put them off coming in."

The Sanofi Pasteur vaccine might not be "as good an insurance policy" against the flu but a follow-up vaccine for the more vulnerable should reduce their risk.

"The key message is people should still front up and get the vaccine if they are in an at-risk group."

He said a low vaccine uptake in those over 65 could result in an epidemic and put strain on hospitals.

Middlemore had a winter plan to cope with an influx in patients but would monitor vaccination rates to see if it needed revision.

Before the shortage was made public it had announced an incentive plan for GPs to meet the target of 70 per cent vaccination coverage.

The problems with the Sanofi Pasteur vaccine have resulted in delays to the vaccine programme, which usually starts in late March.

Pharmac, which has come under attack for its sole-supplier policy, announced it would review the way it purchased the vaccine. Yesterday it sourced a further 8000 effective doses from GlaxoSmithKline. Health officials are deciding whether to use two doses of the under-strength vaccine on those who do not get the fully effective jabs. Guidelines as to who should receive the full-strength vaccine are also being worked out.

 

Ngaire Buchanan, operations manager for Auckland City Hospital and Green Lane Clinical Centre, also feared some people would now question the point of vaccination. Options such as reducing elective surgery volumes and hiring more casual staff would be considered if admissions from flu ballooned, she said.

The three Auckland hospitals were also promoting the need for people to see their GP first.

"I think we are as prepared as we can be. We review the winter plan on a weekly basis."

Unions have warned that an epidemic could lead to high absentee rates from work among medical staff and the wider community.

Resident Doctors' Association spokeswoman Deborah Powell told National Radio there were already staff shortages and staffing levels could become critical if people were off sick.

Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners president Jim Vause said doctors would face pressure from people wanting the vaccine for themselves or their children and needed clear criteria from the ministry about who should get it.

In Parliament yesterday, Opposition MPs questioned whether the additional doses of the vaccine would arrive before a flu outbreak.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said technical advice had been received indicating the two- to three-week delay in the vaccine arriving was not expected to make much difference given the pattern of influenza over the past few years.

Associate Health Minister Pete Hodgson said officials were anticipating that no lives would be put at risk, but they would know more next week with advice from experts. additional reporting:

- Ainsley Thomson and NZPA