Flu-shot numbers fall short

New Zealand's free flu-jab scheme fell short of its target last winter, despite expectations that the vaccine debacle would give it a shot in the arm.

Only 65 per cent of elderly people were vaccinated, compared with 63 per cent in 2004. When the scheme began in the 1990s the target was 75 per cent.

"We were supposed to do that by 2000 and we still haven't achieved it," said virus expert Dr Lance Jennings, a spokesman for the Health Ministry's national influenza strategy group.

"I think it needs more advertising and we need more education of those at greatest risk about the seriousness of influenza."

Flu hit an estimated 47,000 people last year, a third more than in 2004. Influenza complications kill several hundred people each year.

Dr Jennings hopes public concern about bird flu and the possibility of a flu pandemic will boost demand for the seasonal vaccine.

"It's certainly increased awareness of the seriousness of influenza."

The bird flu strain that has led to the deaths of millions of birds and more than 70 people since late 2003 does not spread easily between humans. But virologists fear that could change, leading to a pandemic.

Pandemic flu is caused by a new strain, so a vaccine would take up to six months to develop.

The seasonal flu vaccine protected against existing human flu strains, but was unlikely to work against bird flu, Dr Jennings said.

The Government pays for the seasonal flu vaccine for those over 64 and for others with conditions such as heart disease and chronic asthma. Others have to pay themselves - about $20 for adults - although some employers pay for their staff.

Only an estimated 35 per cent of those under 65 eligible for free vaccination took up the offer, the same as last year, and just 17 per cent of the total population had the injection.

"By increasing the immunisation rates we can protect more people from seasonal influenza and ensure that systems for the use and distribution of influenza vaccines are able to operate on a large scale in the event of a pandemic."

A spokeswoman for the ministry, Alison Roberts, said its policy was that everyone over 65 should have the seasonal flu vaccine.

Last year's vaccination campaign started badly after an error at a French vaccine factory of New Zealand's then-sole supplier, Sanofi Pasteur. Its vaccine was found to be weaker than planned against one of the three flu strains covered.

It was later proved strong enough, but by then health officials had found other supplies.