Supporting the health of our 2010 Olympic Winter Team

Just when most Australians’ minds are turning to summer, our Winter Olympians bound for competition in Vancouver next year are lining up for their vaccinations, thanks to the support of pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, announced today.

Under the arrangement, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has supplied a range of free vaccines for all Australian Winter Olympians travelling to the Games in Vancouver, Canada, in February 2010 as well as medical supplies for use by the team doctors during competition next year.

“This vaccination program is helping to ensure that the health and wellbeing of our athletes is protected so that they can achieve their Olympic dreams,” Medical Director for the 2010 Australian Olympic Winter Team, Dr Peter Braun, said in Melbourne today.

“We’re encouraging all athletes to speak with their medical advisers to discuss their vaccination requirements. This is an important part of each athlete’s preparation for the Games, to prevent any ill-health that could detract from their performance,” Dr Braun said.

“We’re also encouraging all our officials and support staff to do the same.”

Australian champion snowboarder and Winter Olympian, Ms Joh Shaw, indicated that she is pleased to have the opportunity to take care of her health as she prepares for the competition in Canada next year.

“I’m putting so much into my preparation for the Games. I’d be devastated if I were to get sick and not be at my best, particularly if I found out that it was something I could have prevented,” Shaw said.

“A shot in the arm for a shot at a medal, sounds like a good deal to me,” she said.

As GSK Medical Director for Vaccines Dr Su-Peing Ng explained, Australians of all athletic ability would be well advised to follow the example of our Winter Olympians by seeking pre-travel advice from their doctor.

“Healthy travel is important for all Australians, whether they’re travelling for leisure or for a significant international event like the Winter Olympics,” Dr Ng said.

“Australian government guidelines recommend that all intending travellers be vaccinated according to the recommended vaccination schedule for their age,” Dr Ng said.

“This includes booster vaccinations against diseases like diphtheria and tetanus.”

“Australians travelling to less developed areas, like many of our favourite beach holiday destinations in South East Asia, need to be even more aware of their travel health,” Dr Ng said.

“A recent Australian study showed that about a third of surveyed travellers were involved in activities or situations with potential for exposure to Hepatitis B during their most recent trip (including having a new sexual contact or needing to seek medical or dental treatment while overseas),” she said.

“Less than half of those travellers had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B.”

“A visit to the doctor 6 to 8 weeks prior to departure will ensure you get the right advice for your particular health needs and can help you protect yourself against avoidable diseases when travelling,” Dr Ng said.