Media release from Ministry of Health

Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) - Update 182

The first suspected cases of Pandemic Influenza H1N1 (swine flu) were identified in New Zealand, one year ago on 25 April 2009, when a group of students arrived home from a school trip displaying symptoms of influenza.  

Some weeks later we experienced the start of our first pandemic wave.

Our experience in 2009 proved the particular value of robust pandemic planning across sectors, a responsive health system, good communication (here and with other countries), and basic public health and hygiene measures such as washing and drying hands and not going to work or school if you're sick.

Influenza can be a serious illness, and while last year it was mild for most, we mustn't lose sight of the fact that for some it was very serious, or fatal.   

The pandemic hasn't gone away, and we are expecting a second wave of influenza this year, although it should have less impact if the virus stays the same.

This year's influenza immunisation programme will help protect New Zealanders from pandemic influenza.

People should also remain vigilant about the basic hygiene measures they can take, plus seeking early medical advice when they are unwell, particularly if they are at higher risk of severe illness.

Surveillance to date in 2010 is showing that influenza-like illness in the community remains below baseline levels.  

There have been four lab-confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza H1N1 in New Zealand since the beginning of this year, but no sign yet of the beginning of a second wave.

Seasonal influenza vaccine update

As discussed in Update 181 issued earlier this week, volcanic eruptions in Iceland have caused a delay in the delivery of seasonal flu vaccine (which is partly sourced from France).  

Air services are now resuming, and despite the inevitable backlog created by a week-long standstill at Europe's airports, the suppliers of this vaccine are endeavouring to ensure the next shipment leaves France this weekend.   

We anticipate this will arrive to replenish our national stockpile early next week, however there is still likely to be some shortfall in vaccine supply for a few days and possibly some delays in GPs being able to book people in for their immunisation.

We appreciate the patience and goodwill being shown by GP practices.

New Zealand has delivered over 800,000 doses of flu vaccine so far this season - more than in the entire 2008 flu season and around 100,000 more than at the same time last year.  

The Ministry of Health is very pleased so many people have opted to take the opportunity to protect themselves and those close to them.   This action will make a real contribution to lessening the risk of a big second wave in 2010.   

Weekly consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New Zealand, 2008-2010

Week 15: 13 - 20 April

*A weekly rate of less than 50 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population is considered baseline activity. A rate of 50-249 is considered indicative of normal seasonal influenza activity, and a rate of 250-399 indicative of higher than expected influenza activity. A rate of over 400 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population indicates an epidemic level of influenza activity.

Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Influenza Weekly Update 2010/15