Holiday travellers encouraged to get vaccinated

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, is encouraging people planning to travel overseas this Christmas holidays to take up the free swine flu vaccination prior to their departure.

“Despite the number of cases of swine flu decreasing in Australia, the northern hemisphere winter flu season is only just beginning and it is likely that H1N1 pandemic influenza (swine flu) will be the dominant strain circulating,” Ms Gallagher said.

“The H1N1 vaccine may be difficult to obtain in many overseas countries and it is important for travellers to consider getting vaccinated before they leave Australia,” she said.

“I’d encourage people planning to travel overseas during the summer break to take up the free vaccine. However, in order for the vaccine to be effective, travellers should plan to get their vaccination at least two weeks before they depart, so there isn’t much time now until Christmas.

“I’m advised that in the Northern Hemisphere, pandemic influenza returned much earlier this year - in Autumn - and the United States has declared a state of emergency to cope with the impact of the second wave of pandemic influenza,” Ms Gallagher said.

Although the seasonal flu vaccine for next year will contain protection against pandemic influenza along with other flu strains, there will be finite supplies of this vaccine, particularly at the beginning of the next flu season, and most people will have to pay for the vaccine.

“Anyone wanting protection against H1N1 influenza should make plans to get the vaccine now, particularly those in high risk groups who are more susceptible to complications such as pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions, individuals with moderate to severe obesity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and parents and guardians of babies,” Ms Gallagher said.

The vaccine has now been registered by the Therapeutics Goods Administration for children aged above six months, however, the arrangements for children under 10 years of age are different as they requires two doses of the vaccine administered at least 28 days apart. More information can be found on the following website http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/

Vaccination can be arranged by making an appointment with your GP, or with a Community Health Clinic by phoning 6207 9977.

11 December 2009