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Influenza Uptake Lower Than Usual
Media Release
Date: 19 June 2007
Influenza Uptake
Lower Than Usual
The late arrival of winter has resulted in fewer people having influenza vaccinations in the Waikato District Health Board region.
Figures out this week show 51,300 people had been vaccinated by last Friday – 4590 fewer than last year. Nationally the country is 3 per cent behind where it was last year.
Medical Officer of Health Felicity Dumble said free influenza vaccines for those eligible were only available until June 30.
New research has confirmed having the vaccination can reduce the risk of heart attacks, she said.
Doctors need to take concerted
action to ensure that people who are at risk of heart
disease receive influenza immunisation every year, according
to the authors of a new study published in the European
Heart Journal (May 2007).
A recent study carried out in
Russia, where influenza vaccination rates are very low,
found that during influenza outbreaks the risk for coronary
heart disease deaths increased by one third.
“This reinforces the importance for those who are eligible,” said Dr Dumble.
That included those aged over 65 and those with long-term illness, particularly those with heart disease. It was important for them to see their GP.
In New Zealand it is estimated only about 64 per cent of people over 65 and 35 per cent of those at risk people under 65 who would benefit from vaccination actually have one ( ESR Influenza in NZ 2006).
ENDS
www.waikatodhb.govt.nz
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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