Get vaccinated before the flu gets you

Get vaccinated before the flu gets you

Canterbury health officials are urging people to get vaccinated before the worst of the flu season arrives.

Dr Ramon Pink, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says while Canterbury’s flu numbers typically peak around September each year, it’s important people who have not yet had their vaccination get it quickly.

“It takes up to two weeks to develop immunity, so it is best to be vaccinated before influenza spreads,” Dr Pink says.

“It’s important we don’t get complacent as we have been caught out unexpectedly in the past. Flu struck particularly early in June and July 2012, causing havoc in the community and in hospital. During that period 490 people required hospital care.

“A lot of Cantabrians are still struggling with major post-quake stressors, and many in the community seem run-down and fatigued.

“Tiredness and fatigue compromise people’s ability to fight infection, making getting a flu vaccine even more important,” says Dr Pink.

Dr Pink says eating well and getting plenty of rest and exercise are also key to staying well this winter.

Up until the end of May this year, more than 163,000 influenza vaccines have been distributed in Canterbury, which despite the late arrival of the vaccine this year, is on par with previous years.

Influenza vaccinations are free for New Zealanders from a doctor or nurse until the end of July if you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, or have long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.

If you do not have one of these conditions, you still benefit from an influenza immunisation available, at a small cost, from your general practice team or vaccinating pharmacist.

For more information go to: www.fightflu.co.nz.

ENDS

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