Ageing minister calls for older Australians to protect themselves with a free flu vaccination

Older Australians should take steps to protect themselves from potentially life threatening winter illness – and have their annual free influenza shots, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, says.

“Last year, 2.57 million Australians over the age of 65 received the free flu vaccinations from their GPs, at clinics or in aged care facilities across the country,” Mrs Elliot said.

“In the last five years, influenza and pneumonia were responsible for 2.5% of all deaths in Australia – and in 2006 resulted in 2,725 deaths – making it the 12th highest cause of death.

“I am urging every eligible older Australian to take advantage of the National Immunisation Program – and not become another statistic,” Mrs Elliot said.

“Flu can be very serious for any age group but older people can be more susceptible to influenza complications, like pneumonia.

“Influenza can also complicate existing illnesses such as diabetes, heart conditions and severe asthma – with people needing to be hospitalised when conditions became life-threatening,” Mrs Elliot said.

“This is why the Government not only recommends annual vaccinations for people 65 years of age and over, but provides them free of charge to this age group under the Program. (The government has provided $26.2 million for the influenza vaccine program).

“Autumn is always the best time of year to be vaccinated, before flu outbreaks become more common during the colder months.  This will allow the vaccine time to work before the winter starts,” she said. Mrs Elliot is also encouraging older Australians to receive their pneumococcal vaccine as provided free under the National Immunisation Program for those over 65. For most people, vaccination is safe. “I urge everyone over 65 to take these seasonal precautions to ensure that they receive the maximum benefit for a safer and healthier autumn and winter,” she said.

For more information visit www.fightflu.gov.au