THE Western NSW Local Health District has launched its 2019 flu campaign, urging residents to organise their vaccinations through their local GP or pharmacist.
It comes as NSW Health reports there have already been 9600 confirmed influenza cases in NSW this year.
One million flu vaccines have now been delivered across the state with pregnant women, young children, the elderly and Aboriginal people to be a major focus of this year’s flu campaign.
Free flu vaccines are available for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, those aged over 65, and anyone with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
WNSWLHD public health manager Priscilla Stanley outlined the importance of receiving an annual flu shot as the best means of protecting yourself.
“While we might all take flu for granted as a common winter disease, it can be deadly,” Ms Stanley said.
“In 2017, we had a significant flu season where more than 650 people died across the state. We cannot afford to be complacent.”
Hospitalisation rates for influenza are highest in young children with recent national figures showing about 100 per 100,000 in those aged six to 23 months.
The NSW Government has invested about $ 130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
Free flu vaccines for children aged between six months and five years are being provided under the NSW Government’s $ 2.6 million program.
In addition to booking a flu shot, people are reminded that to help reduce the spread of flu they should sneeze into their elbow, wash their hands regularly and stay home if sick.