Australia prepares for second wave of swine flu

December 18, 2009

Experts prepare for second wave of swine flu By Emma Masters

Posted December 9, 2009 12:25:00

The Northern Territory branch of the Centre for Disease Control says it is

preparing for a second wave of swine flu.

The centre's head of immunisation, Dr Andre Wattiaux, says there has been a

sharp drop in the number of cases in the Territory over the past couple of

months but there is concern another wave will hit.

He says it is positive that 30,000 Territorians have been vaccinated against the

disease but more need to take advantage of the free vaccine.

" Altogether we've had 1500 cases in the Territory, " he said.

" But it's normal activity for this sort of pandemic.

" We know it comes as a peak and then it slows down and then it's that second

wave we're actually concerned about at the moment and we're preparing ourself

against that. "

Dr Wattiaux says the vaccine has now been approved for children older than six

months.

" Vaccination efforts have gone really well but at the same time we're really

conscious that we do want to vaccinate as many people as we can.

" Once again, to prepare ourself against a potential second wave that may come

much earlier than the seasonal flu.

" So seasonal flu usually comes between February and March in the Territory. "

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