If You Have A Respiratory Condition, Get Your Flu Vaccine

Media Statement
The Asthma Foundation

27 March 2013

If You Have A Respiratory Condition, Get Your Free Flu Vaccine Now!
Keep Yourself And Your Kids Out Of Hospital This Winter.

The Asthma Foundation is strongly advising people with respiratory illnesses to try and stay out of hospital this winter by asking their doctor or nurse about a free influenza vaccination.

“The flu season will be kicking in soon and it is important for people with respiratory conditions to get their free flu vaccines this winter,” says Dr Kyle Perrin, medical adviser of the Asthma Foundation.

Last year over one million New Zealanders had a flu vaccination – around 23 percent of the population.

The flu vaccine is free for: children under the age of five with significant respiratory illnesses; people with chronic health conditions; people with respiratory conditions; people with asthma who use a preventer; and everyone 65 years and over.

“People with chronic health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at higher risk of complications from influenza than others. For the best protection, we advise they get a flu vaccination now as immunisation typically takes up to two weeks to take effect. Influenza is a serious illness, every winter we see people admitted to hospital with the flu who are extremely unwell, and some require intensive care admission.“

“Also, we strongly advise that flu vaccinations are sorted out now for kids who have respiratory illnesses. Flu vaccinations are an essential part of effectively managing asthma and other respiratory illnesses well,” Dr Perrin says.

In a recent media statement, the Health Minister, Tony Ryall said that around 400 New Zealanders die, directly or indirectly, each year from influenza. Last year the disease put more than a thousand people in hospital and nearly 50,000 people visited their GP with influenza-like-illness.

“And no matter how ‘in shape’ we think we are, we’re still at risk. You’re never too fit to get hit,” Dr Perrin says.

Free flu vaccines are available until the end of July.

Notes:

1. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) generally refers to either emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
2. About 1 in 4 New Zealand children has asthma.
3. New Zealand has the second highest rate of asthma in the world, following the UK.
4. About 800 000 New Zealanders are affected by asthma and other respiratory conditions.

More information can be found on www.fightflu.co.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863).

About the Asthma Foundation
The Asthma Foundation is New Zealand’s sector authority on asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
We advocate to government and raise awareness of respiratory illnesses, fund research for better treatments and educate on best practice. We provide resources on our website and support our affiliated asthma societies and trusts in providing education, support and advice.

For more information, visit the Asthma Foundation’s website www.asthmafoundation.org.nz

Also, keep up to date with the Foundation's activities on Facebook and Twitter

ENDS

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