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According to news reports this morning, Australia is poised to be the first country to begin massive pandemic H1N1 vaccinations . . . potentially within the next 3 weeks.
Two million doses of vaccine are scheduled to be delivered next week, and the decision to dispense awaits a final determination by the country’s top medical officials that it is safe and effective.
No doubt other nations with plans to vaccinate later this fall - such as the US, Canada, and the UK - will be watching with great interest to see how this vaccination program works out, and whether any excess adverse side effects are noted.
For now pregnant women, Health Care workers, and those with medical conditions that put them at higher risk will be vaccinated.
The plan is to eventually offer the vaccine to all Australians.
This report from the Herald Sun.
Two million shots for most at risk of swine flu
Ben Packham and Stephen McMahon
August 20, 2009 12:00am
EXCLUSIVE: MILLIONS of Australians will be vaccinated against the deadly swine flu within weeks.
Pregnant women, health workers and the chronically ill will be first to get the medicine.
The Federal Government will take delivery of two million doses of the vaccine by the end of next week.
More than 450,000 doses have been earmarked for Victoria - where 22 people with the disease have died.
Special immunisation clinics are likely to be set up in major hospitals, while GPs will also administer the vaccine.
Vaccinations could begin by September 7 if approval is given by Chief Medical Officer Jim Bishop and a team of health experts.
The Government has ordered 21 million doses of the swine flu vaccine, enough to protect every Australian.
Pregnant women, especially those in the second or third trimester, and anyone with a respiratory illness, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, will be vaccinated first.
Cardiac patients, cancer sufferers, the morbidly obese and those with type 2 diabetes would also get priority, along with doctors, nurses and other health workers.
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