Parents of smallchildren and people in high-risk groups are being urged to set a reminder for 1May to phone their GP and book a flu jab ahead of winter.
NSW Health’sCommunicable Diseases Director, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said most GP clinics should receivetheir Commonwealth flu vaccines by next month.
“Now is a great time toset a reminder in your phone or circle the date in your calendar, particularlyif you or your family are in a high-risk group, to ensure you get your flu jab,”Dr Sheppeard said.
“There have alreadybeen 7,584 recorded flu cases in NSW during the warmer months so the bestprotection ahead of winter is to be vaccinated to build up resistance.”
More than 250,000 fluvaccines have been delivered so far, including over 42,000 to aged carefacilities across the state.
“Flu vaccines have already been distributed to aged care facilities butfor the wider population, supplies should be with their GP by May 1,” DrSheppeard said.
So far this year, twostrains of influenza A virus are causing most of the infections in NSW, similarto the strains that circulated in 2018.
Dr Sheppeard saidfree vaccines will again be available through GPs for all children aged fromsix months to under five years of age, under the NSW Government’s $2.6 millionprogram. Based on orders for vaccine in 2019, NSW Health is hopeful morechildren aged between six months to five years will be vaccinated against fluin 2019.
The NSW Governmenthas invested around $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget,including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
“Free flu vaccinesare also available for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, those aged over 65,and anyone with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease,” DrSheppeard said.
People who are noteligible for free vaccines can get vaccines on the private market from their GPor an eligible pharmacist. Influenza vaccines are recommended for children andadults to reduce their risk of flu and spreading it to vulnerable people.
“Last year we had themildest flu season in five years but as we all remember, more than 650 peopledied from influenza-related illness in 2017. Thanks to manyfactors, including the vigilance of the community last year, we avoidedrepeating the deadly flu season of 2017. We must not be complacent this year.”
In addition to booking a flu jab, people are reminded that to helpreduce the spread of flu, sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly andstay home if you are sick.
