The latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report shows influenza cases continued to increase, as have influenza-like illness emergency department presentations and admissions.
NSW Health Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said influenza activity remained at high levels across all age groups in the community, with the highest rates in children under 16 years.
“This is a timely reminder for parents to ensure their young children are vaccinated,” Dr McAnulty said.
“Children under five years of age are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza, and the flu vaccine is readily available and free for children aged six months to under five years.
“It takes 10 to 14 days for immunity to kick in after receiving the flu vaccination, so now is the time to get vaccinated to ensure you and your family are protected when school returns.”
Influenza is more serious than the common cold. It can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse, requiring hospital admission and causing death.
“Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease. By getting vaccinated you also help protect those around you,” Dr McAnulty said.
Families warned flu shot vital now
FAMILIES are being urged to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations with the potential to fall victim to the flu increasing with many people out and about during the school holidays.