Dad and mom in Victoria are being urged to ebook their kids in for a free flu vaccination, as virus circumstances surge throughout the state and concern grows about falling vaccination protection.
The newest surveillance information from the Division of Well being reveals that reported circumstances have elevated throughout all age teams, with the biggest improve amongst folks beneath 5 years of age – by 37 per cent within the two weeks ending June 15.
In the meantime, simply 23 per cent of Victorians beneath 5 have acquired the free annual flu vaccination this season.
Chief Well being Officer Dr Claire Locker stated influenza circumstances quadrupled between April and June, with a six-fold improve within the variety of displays to emergency departments in Victoria.
Dr Locker stated: “We anticipate flu circumstances to proceed to rise within the coming weeks, so it is crucial that folks ebook their flu vaccine now, particularly for these teams most prone to severe sickness reminiscent of kids.”
“Influenza vaccination is free for youngsters and different susceptible teams, and is broadly out there through GPs, pharmacists and different suppliers.”
Dr. Luker stated the influenza vaccine offers the very best safety towards an infection and extreme sickness.
“Influenza is extremely contagious, and whereas most individuals might solely expertise delicate to average signs, for some it may be deadly.”
The flu vaccine is free for folks most prone to severe sickness, together with kids beneath 5 and other people aged 65 and over, as a part of the nationwide immunization programme.
It’s out there by your GP, native pharmacy, Aboriginal Well being Service or native council immunization service.
The growing variety of influenza circumstances in Victoria comes concurrently coronavirus (COVID-19) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) proceed to unfold in the neighborhood.
Flu vaccines could be given concurrently different Nationwide Immunization Program vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines.
Along with vaccination, easy steps could be taken to cease the unfold of respiratory illnesses in the neighborhood, reminiscent of influenza, seasonal respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19. This contains washing your fingers, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, sporting a masks and staying house when sick.
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