N.Z. Delays H1N1 Vaccine Order Despite Pandemic Status
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
New Zealand's health authorities are holding off responding to the World Health Organization's declaration of the H1N1 influenza virus as a "pandemic." CSL of Australia is gearing up to produce a vaccine based on a WHO-distributed strain, but New Zealand authorities say they have not decided whether or when to place a planned order for as many as 8 million doses with the company. The Health Ministry is undecided because it fears there may still be a need to purchase antivirals against seasonal flu and because the mild nature of the H1N1 cases found in New Zealand suggest the vaccines may not be necessary. (Click here for more