With influenza taking a toll in 2024 authorities say it’s not too late to vaccinate. Photo: seb_ra.
Riverina residents aged 65 and over are once again being urged to book in now for their free flu vaccine, as the virus continues to surge across the state.
The latest data shows that positive testing for influenza has increased to 24 per cent.
“We are expecting the flu season will be around for several weeks to come, so now is the time to book in for your free flu vaccine to get the vital protection you need,” said Dr Anton Forsyth from Murrumbidgee LHD.
“This is particularly important for people aged 65 and over who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza, and unfortunately our vaccination rates for this group still aren’t where we need them to be.
“At present, just over half of people 65 and over (57 per cent) in NSW have received their flu vaccine.”
Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are all circulating in the community, and NSW Health has issued a reminder to the public to avoid visiting high-risk settings including hospitals and aged care facilities if they are experiencing symptoms.
Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty warned there was also a spike in the number of people presenting to emergency departments with influenza-like illnesses.
“Influenza is more serious than the common cold. It can cause pneumonia, and make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse, requiring hospital admission and causing death,” Dr McAnulty said.
“It’s not too late to get vaccinated. By getting vaccinated you also help protect those around you.”
The influenza vaccine is free and readily available for those at higher risk of severe illness from influenza.
It is available through GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.
Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza who are eligible for free vaccination include:
- people aged 65 and over
- children aged six months to under five years
- Aboriginal people from six months of age
- pregnant women
- those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, severe asthma, kidney, heart, and lung disease.
There are some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV, including:
- Stay up to date with your recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
- Stay home if you are sick and wear a mask if you need to leave home
- Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
- Avoid crowded spaces
- Consider doing a rapid antigen test (RAT) before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
- Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines
- Don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza
- Practice good hand hygiene, including handwashing.
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