The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) community is being reminded to get their flu vaccine with the launch of the 2019 flu campaign recently.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
WNSWLHD Public Health Manager, Priscilla Stanley said, "With more than 9,600 confirmed influenza cases in NSW already this year, people should not delay and organise their flu jabs either at the GP or pharmacist".
"One million flu vaccines have now been delivered across the State."
Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and all Aboriginal people will 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.
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.
Ms Stanley outlined the importance of receiving an annual influenza vaccination as the best means of protecting yourself.
"While we might all take flu for granted as a common winter disease, it can be deadly," LHD 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."
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 from six months to under five years of age 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, sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly and stay home if sick.
Flu shots are available locally at:
Grenfell Medical Centre - Dr Akhiwu's Main Street Surgery (02) 6343 1211 phone for appointment/ information,
The Grenfell Pharmacy - Main Street, Grenfell (02) 6343 1056 phone for appointment/ information,
Dr Vijay's Weddin Street Surgery - (02) 6343 2494, phone for appointment/ information or
Grenfell Community Health - Camp Street Grenfell (adjacent to the MPS), Grenfell Community Health have two Flu Shot clinics per week, for more information or to book an appointment please contact them today.
Please note the new Grenfell Community Health phone number is (02) 6349 1750.
For more information on the 2019 flu campaign visit: wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
