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Don't delay your flu shot this winter
Published: 27 Jun 2022

The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging local residents to book their flu vaccination now, to get protected against severe illness this flu season.

North Coast Public Health Unit Director, Dr Paul Douglas, said flu cases and hospitalisations have been rising, which is concerning at this early stage in winter.

“During the week ending 11 June, 247 people presented to Northern NSW emergency departments with Influenza,” Dr Douglas said.

“That takes us to more than 1,000 flu presentations this year already.

“Due to the high rates of PCR testing in the community, we have also detected 551 flu infections across the District for the month of May, which is higher than usual.

“Influenza is now spreading quickly as we are now interacting with each other once again after the last few years of social distancing and mask wearing.

“If you haven’t already booked your flu shot, please do it now as it provides essential protection for people of all ages against severe illness from influenza.”

During June, the flu jab is available for free to all NSW residents who are six months and older at GPs and pharmacies across NSW.

It is particularly important for those more vulnerable, including the elderly, those with chronic illness and children to get vaccinated.

Dr Joe Duncan, Respiratory Physician at Lismore Base Hospital, said it is critical that people do all they can to protect themselves against influenza, which is a serious illness.

“A lot of people think they’ve had the flu and that it was very mild, when in fact it was more likely just a common cold,” Dr Duncan said.

“There are many little things people can do that can make a big difference when it comes to curbing the spread of viruses this winter.

“The best thing you can do is a get a flu vaccination as soon as possible, as well as wear a mask and keep doing all those behaviours we have become used to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Things like washing your hands often, using hand sanitiser, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and of course staying home when you are sick, are very important and easy things we can do. If you’re not well, take a COVID-19 test right away.”

Flu shots are still free for all NSW residents until the end of June.

To find out more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/influenza/Pages/default.aspx