LIABILITY INSURANCE HOLE COULD STOP AUSTRALIAN SWINE FLU JABS

Insurers in Australia have expressed concerns at the plan being developed by Australia to immunize the country’s population against swine flu. The Australian government has refused to underwrite doctors’ liability for the jabs, while insurers have expressed concern at the use of multiple-dose vials and what some see as inadequate testing of the formula. Ellen Edmonds-Wilson, CEO of the Medical Indemnity Industry Association of Australia, told the Sydney Morning Herald that it was up to individual insurers whether to provide cover. A spokeswoman for medical defence insurer Avant said that the entire industry was in ongoing discussions with the Australian health department about the proposed roll-out, which is scheduled to begin this month, focusing first on pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and health workers.