INFLUENZA is rising rapidly in Australia with more than 75,000 confirmed influenza cases already reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System this year.
Health professionals warn the flu season is expected to peak earlier this year, with 28,858 confirmed cases in NSW.
It’s a timely reminder for families and vulnerable members of the community to speak with healthcare providers about vaccination, local pharmacies say.
“We’ve certainly seen an increase in the number of people coming into the pharmacies for their vaccinations – unfortunately until the colder weather hits it doesn’t remind people to get out and get that flu vaccine,” Owner, and Pharmacist in Charge of Orana Mall Pharmacy, Lisa Gibson said.
“The best time to get vaccinated is from now, peak flu season is from June to September, so we want as many people as possible protected and vaccinated against influenza before that peak season hits to take pressure of our doctors and hospitals.
Latest Stories
“Quite often long weekends and school holidays are a time for family gatherings, you might be seeing the older relatives in your family, or those with babies, and we want to protect those individuals. It takes two weeks to get full protection from the vaccine so now is the opportune time.”
The flu vaccine is recommended for all Australians over six months of age with modelling suggesting influenza cases may be higher than reported.
“Those who are at more risk of serious illness and hospitalisation have access to free flu vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP),” Lisa said.
“Little ones under five years, adults who are 65 and over, those people with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk of having more severe disease, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and pregnant women are the ones we really want to protect with vaccinations, so the government has a free vaccine for them to get that protection.”
Patients are encouraged to speak with their local pharmacist, or GP, to determine which vaccine is suitable and who qualifies for the NIP.
You can go online to https://lifepharmacygroup.com.au/flannerys-pharmacy/ to book a flu shot or COVID-19 booster, phone the pharmacy on 02 6852 1111 or speak to them in store.
For more information on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) visit: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine
