Availability of antivirals & vaccines

Antivirals

The details of antiviral use described below may be modified at the time as evidence comes in about a range of factors, such as:

• the effectiveness of antivirals in preventing infection and treating cases (including any evidence of antiviral resistance)
• the effectiveness of candidate and customised pandemic vaccine
• the protection offered by natural infection
• the availability of resources
• the anticipated length of time until the customised pandemic vaccine will become available.

Antivirals use

Antivirals usage includes:

• treatment of cases when clinically appropriate
• post exposure prophylaxis to reduce the risk of infection in people who have not been able to avoid close unprotected contact with an infectious case, such as:
  
  • in health care and some other occupational settings
  • in households
  • in the community (eg workplace) in the CONTAIN phase.
• pre-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the likelihood of infection when:
  
  • persons are exposed to an aerosol generating procedure on a case
  • there is likely to be ongoing re-exposure to known infectious cases for example, in influenza services.

If possible, (depending on resource availability) the Australian Government will consider reserving some stocks of antivirals for possible second wave.
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Vaccines

A vaccine that gives good protection against a pandemic influenza virus can only be developed after the new virus strain appears, and therefore may take several months to produce, and will initially be in short supply.

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.

The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against pandemic flu. Nevertheless, in the lead up to a pandemic, it will still be important to vaccinate high-risk groups against any seasonal strains of flu currently circulating. The pneumococcal vaccine is also important for the elderly, as it can prevent secondary pneumococcal pneumonia.

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 anyone 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. You should check with your doctor to ensure you are able to have the vaccine and that there are no contraindications for you such as some allergies.

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.

This information is current for 03 September, 2010
This information was issued on 05 December, 2008