Minister encourages all to vaccinate against H1N1 ‘flu

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, today encouraged everyone aged 10 and over to be vaccinated for H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu), now that the priority groups have had time to receive their vaccination.

“While this pandemic influenza is mild in most cases, it has been severe in some people and has caused a number of deaths in Australia,” Ms Gallagher said.

Ms Gallagher said the Panvax® H1N1 vaccine was available free to all Australians and would help protect against future waves of the virus.

The Minister set an example by receiving her H1N1 influenza vaccination today. 

“Now that the priority groups have had sufficient time to obtain the vaccine, it’s time for all Canberrans to take action to protect themselves from H1N1 disease,” she said.

“The vaccine has been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and is readily available through your GP or specific Community Clinics.

“Some workplaces are being proactive and organising vaccination through corporate medical services and hospital occupational medical units are providing the vaccine to their staff.”

Ms Gallagher said she would also like to encourage anyone in the priority groups who had not yet been vaccinated to discuss vaccination with their GP. These groups include pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, individuals with obesity, health care workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, children over 10 year old attending special schools and parents or guardians of children aged less than six months.

“These people are the most likely to become seriously ill if infected, or to infect those who may become very ill,” she said.

“I urge everyone to obtain their free vaccine soon. This strain is the common circulating flu virus this year and the vaccine will help stop the spread within the community.”

Ms Gallagher said that while at the moment the vaccine was only available to those aged 10 and over, the Government was currently waiting on the completion of clinical trials in the under 10s before recommending vaccination for this age group.

The incidence of H1N1 has slowed since the end of the traditional influenza season with over 940 confirmed cases and 2 associated deaths in the ACT since May 2009. ACT Health continues to monitor the incidence of this disease in the community.

To make an appointment at a Community Health clinic phone 6207 9977.

For more information visit www.health.act.gov.au

2 November 2009