Big Medicine

Wellington NZ--During the week 7 - 13 December the number of New Zealanders visiting a doctor with an influenza-like illness remains low. The rates of pandemic influenza are still at a low level in New Zealand, however, with the holiday season upon us, and more people travelling internationally, we would expect to see small local outbreaks over the coming months.

If you're travelling overseas during the holidays, check for the latest advice at www.safetravel.govt.nz. This includes making adequate preparations prior to travel, consulting your doctor about any medicines to take with you, and taking protective measures such as regular handwashing. New Zealanders with flu-like symptoms are advised to consider delaying their overseas travel until they are well.

Vaccine update

Based on the northern hemisphere experience, a resurgence of pandemic influenza (H1N1 09) seems likely in New Zealand late in March with a possible peak in late April/early May 2010.

The 2010 seasonal vaccine will include the pandemic strain (as well as two other strains of influenza) however, the vaccine may not be available until mid to late March. The Ministry of Health is in close contact with the vaccine manufacturers to ensure supplies will be available as soon as possible. Because of the likely delay in the arrival of the seasonal vaccine, in February 2010 the Ministry of Health will offer vaccination with a monovalent (single H1N1 strain) vaccine to frontline health care workers and people at higher risk of developing complications from pandemic influenza.