Free Flu vaccination extends to include youngest

Free Flu vaccination extends to include young children

Aucklanders with children aged between 6 months and five years could be eligible for a free flu vaccination to help protect them from H1N1 (Swine Flu).

The Ministry of Health today extended its free flu vaccination campaign to more children aged between 6 months and five years for 2010 only.

The Ministry says general practices can use their discretion to offer free flu immunisation to children from high deprivation backgrounds who are aged between 6 months and 5 years.

Children with certain chronic conditions are already eligible - which is the case every year.

Evidence from 2009 suggests that children with chronic medical conditions, particularly respiratory and neurological; children from areas of high deprivation (quintile 5); and Maori and Pacific children are more at risk of hospitalisation from swine flu.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service clinical director, Dr Julia Peters, says the seasonal influenza (flu) immunisation vaccine will protect people from H1N1 as well as two other flu strains.

“Flu can be a serious illness, with most people feeling miserable for over a week, and others with complications ending up in hospital,” says Dr Peters.

“By having a flu vaccination you not only protect yourself, but you also help prevent those around you as it is highly contagious.”

The vaccine is widely available to people through their GP practice or local health provider.

Hygiene important too
ADHB Clinical Microbiologist, Dr Sally Roberts, says vaccination is a vital tool in controlling the spread of seasonal flu but people shouldn’t forget basic every day hygiene practices.

“Hand hygiene should be an essential part of our daily life, particularly during flu season,” says Dr Roberts.

“Remember to wash your hands before preparing food and eating or smoking, after coughing, sneezing, wiping children’s noses, visiting the toilet or changing nappies,” she said. “But also remember to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, dispose of your tissue in a rubbish bin and stay at home if you are unwell”.

“These simple common sense measures can make a real difference,” she says.

People wanting further information about the vaccinations should speak to their family doctor.

For more information on protection from influenza and how to care for others visit www.moh.govt.nz/influenza.

ENDS