Students should be protected with a swine flu vaccination before schools go back on Wednesday 27 January.
The Department of Health and Families (DHF) is urging parents and carers to ensure that children aged over six months receive the vaccine. Kids commencing school are particularly encouraged to get vaccinated.
"The start of school is an exciting and busy time for families, but it also presents an increased risk for children to catch and pass diseases like swine flu," said Dr Andre Wattiaux, Head of Immunisation, DHF Centre for Disease Control.
"So please put a vaccination on the list of things children need to prepare for school.
"Swine flu cases have decreased in the Territory and nationally. It is expected, however, that the swine flu virus will be the one most commonly causing flu this season, as has been the case in the Northern hemisphere.
"In previous years the flu season has started as early as February in the NT, so we are expecting to see an increase in cases in coming weeks.
"DHF offers free swine flu vaccinations at locations across the NT. I encourage everyone to get it now," added Dr Wattiaux.
People in high risk groups (including pregnant women, Aboriginal people, and people with chronic diseases) and those in close contact with people in high risk groups and parents and carers of children under six months are encouraged to receive the vaccine if they have not already done so.
Due to popular demand, vaccinations in Darwin City are being offered from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every Thursday and Friday throughout the month of January, at Spillett House, 65 Smith Street. This is a free walk-in clinic and no appointment is required.
The Casuarina and Palmerston Community Care Centres offer vaccinations by appointment. Contact: Casuarina 8922 7301, Palmerston 8999 3344.
Vaccinations are also available from NT urban vaccination clinics, remote health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services and most GP practices.
Further information on the H1N1 vaccine program is available at:
www.swinefluvax.nt.gov.au www.healthemergency.gov.au
The national Pandemic Flu hotline on 1802007
Release date: 22 January 2010
