KEY POINTS:
Nearly half of a group surveyed on flu immunisation believed it was better to build up natural immunity through a healthy diet and alternative remedies.
A National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG) survey interviewed people eligible for free flu vaccination - those 65 and over and people with chronic conditions.
NISG said this week 44 per cent of those interviewed believed it was better to build up immunity than receive annual vaccinations.
The group said this was a false impression.
Annual shots stimulated the immune system as though the body had been infected, despite the vaccine containing no live virus.
NISG spokesman, virologist Dr Lance Jennings, said the inactivated vaccine provided the best protection against influenza.
"You can only be immune to a particular strain of the virus if you've had it before.
"And, as the virus strains keep changing each year, most people are unlikely to have natural immunity.
"That's why annual immunisation is so important to provide protection from the strains most likely to circulate in New Zealand."
The composition of the recommended influenza vaccine for New Zealand in 2007 has been established through consultation and research including a meeting with the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee; information from the World Health Organisation; and recent data from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina on epidemiology and strain characterisation.
Influenza immunisation is free for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - people aged 65 and over, and those under 65 years of age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and most cancers.
The vaccine is available next year from early March to June 30.
A record number of New Zealanders received influenza vaccinations this year, with 761,180 doses administered to June 30, up 6 per cent on 2005.
Influenza is a potentially serious viral infection.
Complications of the illness can last for weeks, often confine sufferers to bed and can carry the risk of permanent damage or death.
Research published in the British Medical Journal in September said there was a lack of convincing evidence that winter flu vaccines worked, and called on placebo-controlled randomised trials to establish their effectiveness.
The Ministry of Health defended the vaccine's effectiveness, saying it remained the best protection for people over the age of 65. Government drug-buying agency Pharmac spends $3 million a year on winter flu vaccines.
- NZPA
