Sixth NZ swine flu death confirmed

The swine flu death toll has officially reached six with a seventh case unconfirmed.

A Northern Regional Health Coordination Centre spokeswoman said two people died at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital yesterday.

One was confirmed as having had the swine flu A (H1N1) virus while the second was a suspected case and staff were awaiting lab results.

The spokeswoman was unable to say whether the two suffered from any other medical conditions.

Meanwhile the Health Ministry has announced the eligibility for a free seasonal influenza vaccine has been extended to all New Zealanders, not just those with under-lying health problems.

The free vaccine is available from general practices from now until the end of September.

"The free vaccine is expected to increase community uptake of the influenza vaccine, which is already showing increased uptake on previous years," the ministry said in a statement.

"While the vaccine will not protect individuals from pandemic (swine) influenza, it is expected to ease the numbers of people who will be seeking treatment for seasonal ills this year as well as reducing the numbers of hospital admissions.

"The vaccine protects against the strains of influenza expected to prevail this winter."

- NZPA