Not too late to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza
The Department of Health has reminded people that it is not too late to get vaccinated as this year's first influenza cases have been reported in WA, signalling the start of the influenza season.
Communicable Disease Control Director Dr Paul Armstrong said vaccination against influenza was the best way to protect against the disease and that anyone who wanted to prevent themselves getting influenza should consider getting vaccinated.
Dr Armstrong said however, that vaccination was particularly important for those in groups that had a high risk of developing severe disease, including the elderly, Indigenous people, pregnant women, the very overweight, and people with chronic medical conditions.
"It is important for these high risk groups to take advantage of the free Commonwealth-funded vaccine that is available to them," he said.
"It takes from 10 to 14 days to develop good immunity after the vaccine, so people who want to be vaccinated, should do so quickly."
People who were vaccinated not only protected themselves, but they also helped to slow the spread of influenza in the community and reduce the load on our hospitals.
Dr Armstrong said the seasonal influenza vaccination program for healthy children under five years of age remained suspended.
"Parents of children aged under five who have an underlying medical condition that puts their child at increased risk of severe illness from flu are encouraged to speak with their doctor about vaccination options," he said.
This year's seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against the human swine flu strain, as well as two other strains of the virus which are expected to circulate in the community.
The free Panvax vaccine, which protects against human swine flu, is also available free through GPs for people of all ages, including school aged children.
The free flu vaccinations are available from GPs and local immunisation clinics.
Dr Armstrong reminded the public that a fee may be charged to administer the vaccine and this should be discussed when making a vaccination appointment.
Each year about 10 per cent of the Western Australian population catch influenza and more than 200 people die from complications such as pneumonia.
The symptoms of influenza - fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches - are often more severe that other coughs and colds that circulate during winter. People in high risk groups who develop symptoms of influenza should see their doctor early.
Other people, unless the illness is more severe, should treat their symptoms and keep away from others, especially those in high risk groups, until their symptoms resolve.
For more detailed information regarding vaccination visit: www.health.wa.gov.au
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