The 2009 influenza (flu) vaccine is now available and Territorians, especially those at greatest risk, are urged to get vaccinated now.
Monday 2 March kicked off Adult Immunisation Week and the launch of the 2009 Flu campaign "Make sure you are protected against the Flu".
Influenza can affect anyone, but senior Territorians, Indigenous people, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions are most at risk of influenza and its complications. People who work or live with others that are at high risk of influenza are also encouraged to be vaccinated.
Department of Health and Families Head of Immunisation, Dr Rosalind Webby, said, '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.
'Influenza vaccine can be administered at community care centres, remote health clinics and general practitioners in the Northern Territory. It isn't a live vaccine so it is impossible to get influenza from it.
'Strains of influenza virus change each year and so annual vaccination is needed,' said Dr Webby.
Dr Webby also stressed the importance of being immunised against other vaccine preventable diseases. Adults with chronic diseases and those who smoke are at increased risk of contracting pneumococcal disease, which causes pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis (inflammation around the brain).
'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, which should be discussed with the immunisation provider. The pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations can be safely given at the same time,' said Dr Webby.
Cases of measles and mumps have been reported in adults in the Northern Territory this year. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for people born after 1960 who have not already received two measles-containing vaccines.
Media Note: A photo opportunity of NT Administrator Tom Pauling AO QC receiving avaccination will be available 1.00 p.m today at Block 4, RDH.
Media Contact: Michelle Foster 0419 818 414; Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144
Release date: 4 March 2009
