Territorians will begin receiving the new H1N1 Pandemic Influenza (swine flu) vaccine from today, Wednesday 30 September. The NT roll-out is part of the national release of the Commonwealth-supplied 'Panvax' vaccine.
NT Chief Health Officer Dr Barbara Paterson, said, "There will be enough doses to vaccinate everyone in the NT but people in the higher risk groups are advised to make every effort to be vaccinated soon.
"These include pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people with chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes, and parents and carers of children under six months."
The vaccine will be available from various providers, including community health centres, hospitals, remote area health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services, and some GP practices.
"People should not be complacent about the risks associated with this strain of influenza. It continues to circulate in the community, and evidence suggests a 'second wave' of swine flu may occur," Dr Paterson said.
"This new vaccine provides excellent protection against H1N1 Influenza. I urge you to get vaccinated now."
Vaccination for children under ten years of age will be available after approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Further information on the H1N1 vaccine program is available at www.swinefluvax.nt.gov.au or by phoning the national Pandemic Flu hotline on 1802007 or by visiting www.healthemergency.gov.au
Swine flu vaccination clinics
Darwin and Palmerston: from 30 September, Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. For an appointment call Casuarina Community Care Centre on 8922 7301 or Palmerston Community Care Centre on 8999 3344.
Alice Springs: from 30 September, Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm at Alice Springs Hospital. Contact the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Alice Springs on
8951 7540 for an appointment.
Katherine: from 30 September, Monday to Friday 1.30 to 3.30 pm at Katherine Hospital. For an appointment contact CDC Katherine on 8973 9049.
Tennant Creek: from 6 October, 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Royal Flying Doctor Service GP clinic; call 8962 2622 for an appointment.
Nhulunbuy: from 5 October at CDC Nhulunbuy. Call 8987 0357 between 8.30 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday for an appointment.
People can also contact their GP for details on getting the vaccine.
Release date: 30 September 2009.