Queenslanders reminded to get annual flu vaccination

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today reminded Queenslanders that “flu” season is fast approaching, which means it’s time to get their annual influenza vaccination.

Influenza is a highly contagious infection which usually occurs every year in Australia from June to October.

“People often think influenza is the same as a cold, however it is much more serious, and can cause illness for up to ten days,” Mr Robertson said.

“While most adults recover, older people and those with certain chronic illnesses like heart and kidney conditions are more likely to develop complications, such as pneumonia, which can result in hospitalisation and even death.

“Getting vaccinated each year is the best protection against catching influenza.”

Mr Robertson said it’s important to get re-vaccinated each year as immunity declines over the course of a year, and vaccines are regularly updated to provide the greatest protection against the different strains of the virus.

“Vaccination is strongly recommended for people aged 65 years and older, and both adults and children with chronic diseases.

“It’s important to talk to your local doctor about whether you are at risk of contracting the illness and about the benefits of being immunised. Anyone over the age of six months can be vaccinated, and we encourage anyone who wishes to protect themselves from influenza to get the vaccine.”

The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends vaccination for:

·all people aged 65 years and older
·all Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older
·adults and children with heart, lung, kidney or liver disorders or diabetes
·children with congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, or severe asthma requiring frequent hospitalisation
·adults and children on therapy which lowers their immunity
·people with HIV
·residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities plus people in close contact with them including family members, healthcare providers and staff of nursing homes.

Mr Robertson said influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:

·all people aged 65 years and older
·all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older and
·Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 to 49 years who have an underlying chronic illness.

“These people can receive the free vaccine by visiting their local GP or health clinic.

“Anyone who is not eligible for the free vaccine will need to visit their local GP or health clinic to obtain a prescription to purchase it from their local pharmacy.”

Dr Christine Selvey, Queensland Health’s senior director, Communicable Diseases Branch, said many people failed to get vaccinated because they believed the myth that people catch the ‘flu’ from the vaccine.

“That’s simply not true as the vaccine does not include ‘live’ virus,” Dr Selvey said.

“What people may experience are minor side effects from the vaccine, like muscle soreness or mild fever, which usually disappear in a few days.

"Anyone planning on getting vaccinated should ensure they do so a few weeks before the influenza season starts to allow the vaccine to take effect.

“As influenza is easily spread through coughing and sneezing, vaccination is the best way to help prevent other people from becoming infected.”

For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

15 April,  2007
MEDIA: Paul Lynch               (Minister’s office) 0417 728 676 
              David Brewtnall      (Dr Selvey)            0412 596 320