Get vaccinated now against New Zealand flu
AMA Federal Vice-President, Dr Trevor Mudge, today urged Australians to get immunised against the flu virus after reports of an outbreak approaching 'epidemic' levels in parts of New Zealand.
Dr Mudge said 'at risk' people should see a GP as soon as possible for their vaccination:
those aged over 65 years
any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50
any adult with a chronic debilitating disease, especially those with heart, lung or kidney diseases or diabetes
children with congenital heart conditions
adults and children undergoing immuno suppressive therapy, heart/lung or kidney transplants, and
people living in, and staff working in, residential aged care or chronic care facilities.
The New Zealand Health Ministry has reported fewer New Zealanders have been vaccinated this year than last year.
"It's only a matter of time before the virus finds its way here," Dr Mudge said.
"Influenza should not be taken lightly and a visit to a GP to get a vaccination shot is the best action.
"It's well-known that only about half of the at-risk Australians will get vaccinated against the flu.
"Eighty to 90 per cent of those who die from the virus each year are in the over-65 age group. And even if you are fit and healthy in this age group, it's not necessarily enough to protect you," Dr Mudge said.
He said the AMA was also concerned that many people aged in the 40 to mid-60s age group with chronic diseases were also not being immunised.
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CONTACT: Sarah Bucknell (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076