Canberrans Encouraged To Get Flu Vaccination
ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher, today rolled up her sleeve to get her seasonal influenza vaccination to encourage other Canberrans to consider getting the vaccination.
“Influenza is responsible for significant illness in the community every winter and can lead to serious complications causing hospitalisation and even death,” Ms Gallagher said.
The 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine contains protection against swine flu (pH1N1 2009), and two other strains of influenza – influenza A (H3N2) and a B strain.
“Although everyone should consider getting vaccinated, there are groups that are more at risk of severe complications.
“These include people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over.
“At present, seasonal flu vaccination for children under six years is on hold while the TGA undertakes an investigation, but everyone six and over with underlying medical conditions should get the vaccine before the flu season.
“These groups are eligible to receive free seasonal flu vaccine,” she said.
“Parents of children under six months old, health and community workers should also get vaccinated,” Ms Gallagher said. “The vaccine is not free to these groups, but it is relatively inexpensive and can help to protect the higher risk groups from getting the flu.”
The seasonal flu vaccine can be obtained from GPs, corporate medical services and Child Health immunisation clinics, in some circumstances.
H1N1 2009 (swine flu) vaccine is still free and can be given to everyone over six months of age. It can be obtained from GPs or by calling Community Health Intake on 02 6207 9977.
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