With winter fast approaching the western local health network is urging Dubbo people to vaccinate against the flu, as vaccination remains the best defence.
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Dr Therese Jones, NSW Health Associate Director Population Health, Western Clinical Support Division said it was likely that influenza strains circulating overseas, including H1N1 or ‘swine flu’ would be prevalent within NSW during winter.
“Vaccination is the best protection and will also reduce the likelihood that you will pass on the virus to someone else,” Dr Jones said.
“It is important people get vaccinated because you are not only protecting yourself, but you are also helping to prevent flu spreading among the community and those who are vulnerable.
“The flu virus is constantly changing, it is necessary to get vaccinated every year.”
Dr Jones said vaccination was recommended in autumn to allow time for immunity to develop before the flu season started.
She added that anyone who received a flu vaccination towards the end of the last flu season should still be vaccinated again.
“You can not get the flu from receiving the vaccine, as the flu vaccine does not contain any live virus.”
The same applies for swine flu.
If you were vaccinated against the swine flu last year you still need the seasonal vaccination this year as flu vaccine protection decreases across 12 months and without this year’s vaccine you will be vulnerable to the illness this winter, Dr Jones said.
“The targeted at-risk groups who can access seasonal influenza vaccine for free has been broadened to include all Aboriginal people 15 years and over, pregnant women, the elderly and all people six months and over with chronic diseases,” Dr Jones said.
Practising flu etiquette and hand washing will help reduce the transmission of influenza amongst the community.
