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May 05, 2003
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Surge for Flu Shots"
Melbourne Age (www.theage.com.au) (04/30/03); Noble, Tom
This winter, Australia expects roughly 3,000 deaths related to influenza, and officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated. The three strains of influenza that could be most harmful are from Moscow, New Caledonia, and Honk Kong, with mutations to the Moscow strain already suspected. The vaccine can give recipients about 80 per cent protection against influenza, according to RMIT virologist Greg Tannock, and provide partial protection against any mutated strains. The recent press coverage about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has led to an increase in the number of people seeking vaccines against influenza; currently, however, there is no cure for SARS.
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OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.