Who will get the Tamiflu the Government is stockpiling?
Clearly, in an influenza pandemic, there will be a need to use Tamiflu in the most effective way. Details of how it will be prioritised and used can only be confirmed once we know the exact nature of the pandemic. At this stage, we can say it is likely that Tamiflu might be used for post-exposure prophylaxis for some priority groups (giving Tamiflu to, eg doctors and nurses treating people with pandemic flu), and for treating some people who are sick . It may also be used to “ringfence” an outbreak in its very early stages. However it is very important to reiterate that the policy is not yet finalised. Tamiflu will be only part of New Zealand’s overall response to a pandemic.
