Thu, 03 Dec 2009 5:07p.m.
Mark Paston takes the test
By Rachel Morton
Planning has begun on how to manage an expected second wave of swine flu.
Immunity levels of 2500 people will be randomly tested through a blood sample.
Testing began today with the Phoenix football team players, who were out to prove a blood test is no big deal.
The team were hoping that by giving blood for a Ministry of Health study, they might be able to save people from becoming sick with swine flu next winter.
“We trying to understand the New Zealand population, what is our immunity level against a pandemic influenza,” says Sue Huang of Environmental Science & Research.
The footballers are trying to encourage those asked to take part to take up the offer.
“It's never as bad as I think it's going to be,” says goalkeeper Mark Paston.
The Phoenix players are an additional component to the study involving groups at higher risk of exposure – they are included because of the travelling they do.
Health workers will also be tested separately.
The results will give the Ministry of Health a better idea of who should be the highest priority for next year's vaccinations.
“We expect to see the second wave that's coming in the new winter season next year, so it will allow us to prepare, plan for the vaccination, plan for the anti-viral treatment,” says Ms Huang.
People throughout the country may get a call in the next few weeks requesting they be part of the study, and even if you have not had the flu this year, you may still have gained immunity through exposure.
“No, I've been lucky, but obviously there's been a lot of people out there and, like I say, there's been a few deaths and things like that, so if we can be a part of it and stop that happening all being well we can do that,” says Phoenix striker Chris Greenacre.
Next year's seasonal influenza vaccine, which protects from swine flu, will be available from March next year.
3 News
