Summary
- Residents can receive a free flu vaccine until the end of the August.
- This vaccine is free every year for people who were most at risk.
Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area residents are being urged to take advantage of the free influenza vaccination program currently available throughout Queensland until the end of the month.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said 761 laboratory-confirmed cases had been recorded so far this year across the region.
“We’ve also had 54 people hospitalised with flu to date across our region.
“Being vaccinated every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.
“With the seasonal flu vaccine now readily available, everyone should take the opportunity to be vaccinated.
“It’s a safe vaccine for children and is offered annually to everyone older than six months of age.
Dr Hempenstall said the vaccine was free every year for people who were most at risk, including:
- children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- people aged 65 years and older
- people who are pregnant
- and people who have certain medical conditions.
“However, this year, the State Government has extended the free flu vaccination program to all Queenslanders from 22 July to 31 August at GPs and pharmacies across the state,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.
“The free vaccines also are available through all primary health centres in the Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area, as well as at clinics at Thursday Island and Bamaga hospitals, the Weipa Integrated Health Service, and the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service.
“I encourage everyone to take advantage of this free program.
“But as well as vaccination, good hygiene also is very important in preventing flu, just as it was during the COVID–19 pandemic.
“The best way to prevent the spread of flu is to wash your hands, cover your coughs, put tissues straight in the bin and stay away from other people if you or they are sick.
“Practising social distancing by staying at least 1.5 metres away – as recommended during the recent COVID-19 pandemic – will mean coughs and sneezes don’t reach another person’s face.
“Wearing a mask also is highly recommended to avoid transmitting the flu to others, or to protect yourself from people around you who might have the flu.
“If you get the flu, you should stay home and rest and drink plenty of fluids until symptoms have resolved, which is usually 5-7 days.
“All these measures can help prevent the spread of flu.
“If you or your family member is getting sicker, they may have fast or difficult breathing, have chest pains, be sleepy or say they are getting worse.
“If this happens, they should go to their doctor or clinic, as you may be suitable to receive anti- viral treatment.
“But you should seek care early, especially if you have other chronic conditions, as antivirals are only effective if started early – within the first couple of days of symptoms.’’
Dr Hempenstall said the flu could be a serious illness, especially for high-risk people like young children, old people, pregnant women, and people with some illnesses – like breathing problems or diabetes.
“While healthy adults usually recover quite well, influenza infection can lead to other medical complications such as pneumonia,’’ she said.