Antivirals & vaccines

Antivirals

Medicines known as antivirals may have some effectiveness in preventing the development of infection in people exposed to the influenza virus. When used as a treatment, antivirals can reduce the duration of symptoms and illness.

To be effective, antivirals have to be administered either before or soon after a person shows symptoms. The influenza virus can also adapt to antivirals used against it, in the same way as some bacteria have adapted to antibiotics.

It is therefore important to understand that the use of antiviral medication in a pandemic will depend on the phase of the outbreak in Australia, and will be carefully monitored to ensure effective use as part of the broader strategy to reduce illness, contain the spread and minimise the impact of a pandemic.

The Australian Government has developed a significant stockpile of antivirals to be used in the event of a pandemic. The Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza 2008 details the Government's strategy for the use of antivirals.

Vaccines

Pandemic Influenza Vaccine

A vaccine that provides protection against a pandemic virus can only be developed after the new virus strain appears, and therefore may take several months to produce. The Australian Government has arrangements in place to develop a suitable vaccine as soon as such a virus emerges.

Two vaccine manufacturers have been contracted to ensure that if an influenza pandemic occurs, enough vaccine for all Australians will be produced. However, the vaccine may take several months to produce. Once a sufficient supply of the vaccine has been manufactured, all Australians will be able to receive the vaccine.

Vaccinations outside a pandemic

The annual seasonal influenza vaccine protects against seasonal influenza viruses, but will not protect against a pandemic influenza strain. Seasonal flu vaccination can be administered to any person 6 months of age or over who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with seasonal influenza. However, annual vaccination is recommended for people who are at increased risk of flu-related complications.

The pneumococcal vaccine is also important for people who are at risk of contracting pneumococcal infection after they become infected with the seasonal or pandemic strain of influenza. Your doctor can provide further advice about whether you should receive these vaccines.

The National Immunisation Program Schedule (external link) outlines the recommended and fully funded vaccine plan by age group.

People who have a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis) to eggs should not be given the seasonal flu vaccine. This includes people who soon after ingesting eggs develop swelling of the lips or tongue, or experience acute respiratory distress or collapse. People with severe allergy to any of the product components should also not be given the flu vaccine. Ask your doctor if you think you could be one of these people.

People with minor illnesses can still get the flu vaccine. However, if you have a fever (temperature of 38.5ºC or higher) you should wait until it has resolved.

The risk and benefits of vaccination should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you have had significant reactions to other vaccines in the past.

This information is current for 09 February, 2010
This information was issued on 05 December, 2008