Department of Health
It is not too late to get your 2019 flu vaccine. Get your vaccine now to protect yourself from flu.
Looking historically acrossAustralia at when influenza season is usually in full swing, we might think wewould be at the height of the flu season right now. However, this year in theNT we had a large and narrow peak of influenza in April and early May.
Since then, influenza has beensteady at a baseline slightly above non-season numbers. Much of Australia had asimilar early rise in flu cases.
Influenza seasons can bevariable and there still may be a second wave of influenza this year.
Influenza is a highly contagiousviral infection. In some people, the infection can cause severe illness andlife-threatening complications, including pneumonia. Because it is verycontagious and can have serious consequences it is important everyone knows howto stop the spread of flu.
The best way to protect yourselfagainst the influenza virus is by being vaccinated yearly. The vaccination isrecommended for anyone over 6 months who wants to protect themselves fromflu and especially for those most at risk of severe flu: the young,elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions or weakenedimmune systems.
You are eligible for a freeinfluenza vaccine if you fit into any of the following groups:
- anyone aged 65 years or older, regardless of medical conditions
- all children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- all Aboriginal people aged 6 months and over
- anyone aged 6 months and over with a medical condition that may increase their risk of severe influenza infection
- pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy – the vaccine also provides protection to the baby in the first 6 months of life.
You can get the 2019 vaccineat a community care centre, Aboriginal Medical Services clinic or remote healthcentre or your GP.
It is important for parents toknow that if their child (aged 6 months to under 9 years) is receiving thevaccine for the first time, 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart are required. Given the flu season can occur at any time of theyear, parents are urged to get their child vaccinated as soon as possible inthe year.
Anyone aged 6 months or olderwho is not eligible for a free vaccine and would like to be vaccinated should contacttheir GP or health care provider for a prescription. Influenza vaccines arealso available at vaccine- providing pharmacies for those 16 years and older.
To stop the spread of diseaseremember to cough or sneeze into your elbow and if using tissues dispose ofthem immediately in the bin and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.If you are unwell, stay home. Adults can infect others for up to 7 days afterbecoming sick.
Again, it is not too late to getyour 2019 flu vaccine. If you havent had your vaccine yet this year get itnow.
