Now is the best time for flu vaccination

26 March 2013

Now is the best time for flu vaccination

Bay of Plenty residents are being urged to get their annual influenza immunisation now, before the influenza season starts in New Zealand this year.

The vaccine has arrived in surgeries and the National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG) advises that now is the best time to be vaccinated.

“It can take up to two weeks from vaccination to develop immunity and influenza is on its way,” says NISG spokesperson and virologist, Dr Lance Jennings. “We particularly need to protect our elderly and very young patients from this serious disease.”

He says the A(H3N2) influenza virus, in particular, struck hard in the Northern Hemisphere winter.

“The disease spread quickly, and was particularly severe for the elderly and those with an ongoing medical condition. People 65 and over accounted for more than half of all reported influenza-associated hospitalisations in the United States this winter – the highest number since records began in 2005. The next highest group were children under four years old. A total of 64 children died in the US from influenza-associated illness this season.”

The New Zealand vaccines for 2013 cover the virus strains causing problems in the Northern Hemisphere and most likely to affect us this year.

Influenza immunisation is free from a GP or nurse for New Zealanders at high risk of complications – pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and children and adults under 65 years of age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers. Free vaccination will be available until 31 July, 2013.

Immunisation is available, for a small charge, for healthy adults and children six months and over at surgeries and some pharmacies. Many employers provide free vaccination for their employees.

Don’t get it, don’t give it

As well as getting a flu vaccination, you may protect yourself and your family/whanau from flu if you:

· wash and dry your hands often

· stay away from people who are sick

· stay away from work or school if you’re unwell

· cover your coughs and sneezes.

For more information go to www.fightflu.co.nz or www.health.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863).

ENDS

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