There has been an early start to the flu season in Melbourne’s south-east, prompting a call for people to get their flu vaccination now.
‘We have already had more than 4,300 laboratory-confirmed cases across the south-east of Melbourne. This compares with less than 2,300 cases at this time last year,’ said Associate Professor Simon Crouch, Acting Director of the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU).
As reported by the Dandenong Star Journal, there have been 90 per cent more cases of the flu in south-east Melbourne than at same time last year.
Nationwide, there has also been an increase in influenza B cases, after very few last year.
‘This is significant because influenza B can cause severe disease in children,’ Professor Crouch said.
Flu is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. It affects people of all ages.
‘The flu vaccination is now available, so I recommend you book in your appointment now – especially if you have risk factors or an underlying health condition.’
A yearly vaccination is recommended for everyone over six months of age.
The flu vaccine is free for:
- children aged 6 month to 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- pregnant women
- anyone aged 65 years or over
- anyone aged 6 months or over with a serious medical condition that puts them at higher risk
You can get a flu vaccine from your GP, local council immunisation service or local pharmacist immuniser. Some workplaces provide flu vaccination programs to employees.