21 Apr 2010

Northland Maori urged to get flu jab early

11:57 am on 21 April 2010

Northland Maori are being advised to get immunised against flu early, because vaccine supplies could be affected by the disruption of air travel caused by the eruption of a volcano in Iceland.

Medical officer of health Jonathan Jarman says in last year's Northland influenza pandemic, more than 85% of the 56 people admitted to hospital with flu were Maori.

Of the 20 children who needed intensive care, 19 were Maori, he told Waatea News.

Jonathan Jarman expects the flu to strike within the next week and says vaccination is the best protection.