FREE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VACCINE FOR ALL AUSSIES

MELBOURNE, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Australians are being offered free Influenza A
(H1N1) vaccine at a cost of more than A$100 million to the federal government.

The vaccine for the virus was launched by federal Health Minister Nicola
Roxon in Perth Wednesday and is available free to the public in Australia's
biggest vaccination programme.

The H1N1 has remained a mild illness for most who have caught it, but it has
led to more than 4,700 people being hospitalised in Australia and figured in
nearly 200 deaths.

Roxon said vulnerable people in high-risk categories, including those with
chronic diseases, pregnant women and indigenous people, should have the
vaccine.

More than 21 million doses will be made available and 30 per cent of the
broader population is expected to receive vaccinations, as well as those
considered vulnerable.

The doses cost more than A$100 million, but the exact cost could not be
revealed under an agreement with the vaccine's manufacturer CSL.

Roxon said the government had ordered 21 million doses under early advice
that two doses would be required.

"We'll encourage all people to take advantage of that. However, it's not
mandatory, so of course there will be some people who choose not to and we
respect that," she said.

A total of 5.5 million doses of the vaccine were delivered across the nation
ahead of the programme's launch, and the remaining doses would become available
month by month until January.
-- BERNAMA