Vaccinate your kids ahead of the school year

With the next influenza season predicted to start early this year, parents are urged to take advantage of the free swine flu vaccine and ensure their children are protected ahead of the new school year, ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, said today.

“In the northern hemisphere pandemic influenza arrived in Autumn, earlier than seasonal influenza, and it has caused thousands of hospitalisations as well as some deaths,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Although swine flu is mild in most cases, it can be very serious in some people and I would encourage all Australians to get vaccinated to protect both themselves and those who are vulnerable in our community,” she said.

The Pandemic H1N1 Influenza ‘09 vaccine (Panvax®) is available for everyone aged six months and older. While older children and adults only require one dose of the vaccine to gain protection, children under 10 years of age will require two doses administered at least 28 days apart. The vaccine has been approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Rollout of the Vaccination Program commenced 30 September 2009 and many Canberrans have already taken advantage of this program and received their vaccination.

83,568 doses have been distributed to immunisation providers in the ACT so far with about 40,145 reported as being administered.

“Now is also a good time to think about other vaccinations that may be outstanding and will help protect your children from preventable diseases,” Ms Gallagher said.

The vaccine can be obtained from General Practitioners (GPs) and community health centres. An appointment at a community clinic can be arranged by phoning 6207 9977.

20 January 2010