December 2, 2010

Swine flu pandemic declared over in Australia

Millions of doses of Australia's swine flu vaccine look set to go to waste after the pandemic was declared over in the country.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon downgraded yesterday, December 1, the federal government's response to the virus because of declining infections. She said there had been fewer than 7,000 cases reported this year to date, compared to 37,600 during the same period last year.

"As the number of cases has declined it is appropriate to declare the H1N1 pandemic over in Australia for this year by returning our pandemic phase to 'alert'," Ms Roxon said.

This move was taken on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, and the Australian Health Protection Committee.

Moving from the "protect" phase to the "alert" phase of the Government's pandemic plan means authorities will remain vigilant for a new influenza virus or a change in a current virus.

A spokeswoman for the Health Department said 7.8 million doses remained on offer until December 31, "when all of the stockpiled pandemic vaccine will have reached its expiry".

The swine flu pandemic claimed 191 Australian lives in 2009 and resulted in 22 deaths this year.