Territorians are this week being encouraged to 'get immunised'.
Adult Immunisation Awareness week begins today and coincides with the 2008 Influenza vaccine becoming available from Community Care Centres, remote health clinics and General Practitioners in the Northern Territory.
Department of Health and Community Services Head of Immunisation, Dr Ros Webby, says influenza can affect anyone.
"Senior Territorians are most at risk of influenza and its complications, even if they are fit and healthy. Younger people and children with chronic disease such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease or kidney disease can also get severe influenza which can lead to hospitalisation."
The Influenza vaccine is available free of charge for all non Indigenous adults aged 65-years and over, all Indigenous adults 50-years and over and Indigenous people aged between 15 and 49 years who have a chronic illness.
"Those not in these risk groups can still visit their GP to obtain a prescription for the vaccine.
"People who come in contact with others at high risk, including health care workers, nursing home staff and people who live with those in high risk groups should also be vaccinated against influenza".
Dr Webby said the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing severe influenza illness.
"It is not a live vaccine and therefore cannot cause influenza," she said.
As part of adult immunisation, Dr Webby also stressed the importance of being immunised against pneumococcal disease, which causes pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis (inflammation around the brain).
"Adults and children with chronic disease and those who smoke are at increased risk of contracting such diseases".
The Pneumococcal vaccine is available, free of charge for all non-Indigenous people aged 65-years and over and Indigenous people from 15-years of age. Re-vaccination is necessary at specified intervals, and those being immunised should discuss these intervals with their immunisation provider.
Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination can be given at the same time.
Women aged 18-26 years are encouraged to be vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus. This vaccine is available from your GP.
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is also recommended for people born after 1966 who have not received 2 measles containing vaccines and a tetanus booster vaccine is advised for those aged 50 years.
Media Note: A photo opportunity with media personality Charlie King will be available at Building 4 of Royal Darwin Hospital at 1:30pm today.
Media inquiries: Cameron Jackson, DHCS Media Support Officer 0401 116 144
Release Date: 25 March 2008
