Easy to get protection from killer

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report showed an increase of more than 25 per cent in people diagnosed with influenza compared with the previous week.
“Flu is rapidly increasing across the State. In the past week alone, presentations to our emergency departments increased by almost 22 per cent for people with influenza-like illness,” Dr Chant said.
“We are expecting the flu season will be around for several weeks to come, so now is the time to book in for your free flu vaccine to get the vital protection you need.
“This is particularly important for people aged 65 and over who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza, and unfortunately our vaccination rates for this group still aren’t where we need them to be.”
Only half of those aged 65 and over (52.4 per cent) in NSW have received their flu vaccine.
With influenza, Covid-19 and RSV all circulating in the community, NSW Health reminds the community to avoid visiting high-risk settings including hospitals and aged care facilities if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.
Dr Chant said vaccination was the best protection against infection and severe disease for everyone, and particularly those at increased risk of severe disease who are urged to get vaccinated now.
The influenza vaccine is free and readily available for those at higher risk of severe illness from influenza.