The annual influenza season has arrived in the Northern Territory and the Department of Health and Families Centre for Disease Control is urging the public to get vaccinated.
"Our surveillance systems looking at Emergency Department visits and laboratory data indicate that influenza is on the rise, particularly in Alice Springs," said Dr Vicki Krause Director of the Centre for Disease Control.
"It is not too late to get vaccinated but people should do it soon", said Dr Krause.
The influenza vaccine is safe and effective in preventing severe influenza illness. Influenza however, can affect anyone but senior Territorians are at most risk of influenza, and its complications, even if they are fit and healthy.
Those also at risk are younger people and children with chronic disease such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease or kidney disease who can also get severe influenza which can lead to hospitalisation.
The influenza vaccine is available free of charge for all adults aged 65-years and over, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50-years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged between 15 and 49 years with a chronic illness.
"People 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."
Women who are pregnant in their second or third trimester should be vaccinated to prevent complications of influenza. The vaccine is safe and effective in pregnancy.
Dr Krause said there are very few side effects from the vaccine, and those suffered were generally mild. She also confirmed it is not a live vaccine and therefore cannot cause influenza.
Media Contact Lorraine Hook 0401 116 203
Release date: 22 August 2008