Get your flu jab early
Posted
by DPS
With winter approaching, older Australians are being encouraged to get in first for the flu shot, especially the particularly vulnerable over 65s.
The Australian General Practice Network says the sooner over 65s are vaccinated, the best chance they will have of avoiding the illness.
The ‘flu season’ begins at the outset of autumn through to October each year.
In Australia, influenza accounts for 2,500 deaths a year- more than the national road toll.
There are 15,000 hospitalisations as a result of flu and 80,000 General Practitioner (GP) visits.
The first and best protection is immunisation.
People most at risk of complications from influenza are those with:
- Heart conditions;
- Asthma and other lung conditions;
- Diabetes (type 1 and type 2);
- Kidney problems and Impaired immunity.
Immunisation is free to over 65s at their general practice.
