Australia to immunise athletes for Beijing

SYDNEY, Feb 17 (Reuters) Australia is preparing a major immunisation programme for athletes competing at next year's Beijing Olympics to protect against infectious diseases including bird flu and respiratory problems associated with pollution.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said they were satisfied Chinese officials were taking enough precautions to protect the health of visiting athletes but Australia would proceed with their own programme as an additional safeguard.

''This is simply a precautionary measure to ensure the athletes don't fall ill before or during competition,'' AOC president John Coates said in a statement released today.

''We have a responsibility to provide our athletes with adequate protection while they compete for Australia at the Games.'' Coates said around 1,000 potential team members would be offered vaccinations for hepatitis, typhoid, polio, tetanus, whooping cough and diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella and influenza during a six-month immunisation period.

''Beijing is very hot and humid in August and there are concerns about air quality. How we can overcome these problems, as well as the cultural differences in China, are all part of our planning,'' Coates said.

''The organising committee in Beijing (BOCOG) has made air pollution a priority.

''They are working with the State Environmental Protection Administration to ensure good air quality during the Games and we expect factories will be closed and cars kept off the roads to minimise the pollution''.

Coates said Australia's support team for Beijing would include 50 specialist medical staff, headed by doctor Peter Baquie.

Baquie has been working closely with each sport to implement specialist medical strategies and has already formed two small advisory groups covering respiratory problems and infectious diseases including the threat of avian influenza.

''Beijing will introduce some medical challenges not encountered in recent Olympics, but I have absolute faith in BOCOG'S planning and public health strategies to minimise these issues,'' Baquie said.

Reuters SAM DB0945