NSW Health has advised visitors to aged care facilities to be vaccinated against the flu as the potentially deadly virus continues to impact older Australians.
Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, stressed that people in aged care facilities are highly vulnerable to flu.
According to Dr Sheppeard, figures from NSW Health show there have been 50 influenza outbreaks and 14 deaths in NSW aged care facilities as of 2 June, compared to an annual total of 42 outbreaks in 2018.
“Most of those who have died from flu-related complications this year have been elderly” Dr Sheppeard said.
“Which is why it’s so important to be vaccinated against it if you are visiting loved ones regularly.”
She said the State’s hospitals had seen an unprecedented number of flu cases this year, as has the rest of the country.
“So please, roll up your sleeve and go and get your flu jab now.”
She said NSW continued to have supplies of flu vaccine for State funded programs and free vaccines were available under the National Immunisation Program for those aged over 65 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and those with serious medical conditions.
“Anyone considering visiting an aged care facility should get a flu vaccination,” Dr Sheppeard said, “And if they are unwell, stay away.”
More information about the immunisation program can be accessed at this PS News link.
