Pandemic continues, so can Tamiflu

Tamiflu can be sold by pharmacists in defined circumstances between the months of May and September inclusive, or for the duration of the Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic.

The Ministry of Health has not announced the end of the current pandemic, so Tamiflu can continue to be sold by pharmacists until further notice.

The other conditions of sale are:

*  it must be sold by a pharmacist in a pharmacy

*  the consumer is 12 years of age or more and resident in New Zealand at the time of the sale

*  the pharmacist is satisfied the medicine is for the treatment of a consumer who currently has symptoms of influenza.

This week all community pharmacies will receive a box containing a supply of brochures, a counter stand to hold them, a decal for the window and pharmacist briefing documents.

Although for many the initial flu pandemic fears appear to be over, for us and the Ministry of Health it is now a time of extra vigilance.  As the northern hemisphere moves into their winter, there is a real concern that a second wave will arrive on our shores later this year.  We must remain on guard and assist by getting information out to our customers.  The brochures contain excellent information - especially regarding how to minimise the risk - and by helping get these messages "out there", we can play an essential role in reducing the impact of any second wave.

This is a joint initiative between your Society and the Ministry of Health, and helps cement our part in the primary health care team. 

Please read, display and take an active role in promoting the information.

Euan Galloway

Chief Pharmacist Advisor

Pharmaceutical Society of NZ Inc

28 September 2009

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