by Michael Woodhead  

One third of Australia’s stockpile of pandemic vaccine could go unused and be donated to more needy developing countries, a new study suggests.  

A survey published today in the MJA shows that most Australian are quite relaxed about the threat of pandemic influenza and most don’t believe themselves to be at increased risk.  

The survey of more than 800 people found that two thirds were willing to have the pandemic influenza vaccine, which is a lower figure than previously seen when  people were polled about the vaccination during the threat of a H5N1 pandemic. About 16% of people were undecided on the vaccine, suggesting a need to improve information about the safety of the vaccine, the study authors say.  

Almost 80% of Australian believed the current H1N1 pandemic influenza to be mild and only 25% thought of themselves as being at increased risk of infection.  

The study also found that 20% of people had already reported influenza-like illness during the pandemic period.  

The study authors, from the Hunter New England Population Health, say their findings suggest that the intended vaccination uptake will be sufficient to achieve coverage that will ensure herd immunity to pandemic influenza.  

Nearly all people said they would support donation of unused vaccine to neighbouring developed countries.  

“If careful attention is paid to wastage, it would be entirely feasible for Australia to donate a large amount of vaccine,” the study authors say.