NSW Health is reassuring the community the flu vaccine is still available for those yet to be vaccinated ahead of the flu season.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Director Health Protection NSW Health, said the latest Influenza Surveillance Weekly Report shows just 74 confirmed flu cases for the week ending 17 June, compared to 453 cases this time last year.
“NSW Health has distributed over 2.2 million doses of flu vaccine to GPs and other providers since 9 April, including 131,750 doses to healthcare workers,” Dr McAnulty said.
“We’ve been closely monitoring the distribution of the vaccines supplied to us by the Commonwealth Government under the National Immunisation Program following national supply restrictions.
“However, we still have flu vaccines available for all age groups and encourage those yet to be vaccinated to have their flu shot before the flu season starts.”
Dr McAnulty said those yet to have their flu shot should call ahead to their GP to check they have the appropriate vaccine.
“In addition to vaccination, it’s also important to maintain healthy hygiene habits – coughing and sneezing into your elbow, washing hands regularly and staying home when sick – to prevent the spread of flu and other viruses.”
The NSW Government is spending a record $22.75 million on state-wide immunisation programs which will assist with flu prevention this season. This includes $3.5 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.75 million immunisation and influenza prevention campaign.
NSW Health will continue to monitor closely flu case numbers and will issue an Influenza Surveillance Weekly Report every Friday to keep the community up to date on influenza activity.
The Influenza Surveillance Weekly Report can be viewed at Influenza Surveillance Report.