13 August 2010
This week's admission of a pregnant woman with influenza to Royal Darwin Hospital's intensive care unit is a timely reminder that anyone not yet vaccinated against seasonal flu should do so as soon possible."It is definitely not too late to be vaccinated," Dr Vicki Krause, Director of the Centre for Disease Control.
"While all Territorians should make sure their influenza vaccination is up to date, people considered at high risk of poor outcomes from the flu are particularly advised to do so.
"The high risk groups include pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, Aboriginal people and anyone aged 65 years and older. We urge anyone in these target groups to see their GP to arrange vaccination before the full force of the annual flu season hits."
The annual flu season traditionally starts in late July to early August in Australia.
"In recent weeks hospitals across Australia have seen a marked increase in the number of patients with influenza admitted to their intensive care units," Dr Krause said.
"In the Northern Territory, we have seen 70 cases of influenza officially reported so far this year, with 60 confirmed as the pandemic H1N1 strain.
"It is expected that H1N1 pandemic strain will continue to circulate as this year's predominant seasonal influenza virus, which is why it has been included in the 2010 Seasonal Flu vaccine that covers the three most common flu strains for the year."
Dr Krause said people eligible for a free 2010 seasonal vaccine include anyone aged 65 years and older, Indigenous persons aged 15 and above, all pregnant women and anyone over the age of six months with a medical condition predisposing to severe influenza.
People not eligible to receive the free seasonal flu vaccine can arrange immunisation through their GP. The vaccine against just the H1N1 strain is still available free of charge for all Australians over six months of age.
Locations of vaccination centres in Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs are listed at http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Flu/ Where_to_get_vaccinated/index.aspx
More information on the vaccination program, including at risk groups, can be found at http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Flu/
Media inquiries: Dale Webster - 8999 2818 or 0401 116 203
