Winter Ills a Timely Reminder for Influenza Vaccinations

17 July 2013

Winter Ills a Timely Reminder for Influenza Vaccinations

A recent surge in winter illness at Waikato Hospital acts as a timely reminder for residents to get the influenza immunisation before the influenza season hits.

An increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases has contributed to current pressure on beds at Waikato Hospital. However presentations for influenza remain at low levels and DHB staff want to see this trend continue.

“So far there has been little evidence of influenza both in our region and nationwide. But numbers usually go up exponentially when it does hit,” Waikato DHB clinical microbiologist Dr Chris Mansell said.

“Vaccinations take two weeks for full protection to occur, so if residents have the vaccine now it should work well before the peak of influenza can arrive,” he said.

Those eligible for free influenza immunisation have only two weeks left to be vaccinated before the Government-subsidised campaign ends on 31 July.

Influenza immunisation is free only until the end of July for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and for people of any age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including serious asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.

As well as GPs and practice nurses, some pharmacists are now also approved to give influenza vaccine.

Caption 2: As of early July 94,710 doses of influenza vaccines had been given in Waikato DHB’s area. This number has increased to 94,940 as of yesterday (16 July); a dramatic increase from the 69,810 vaccines given at the same time last year

Influenza vaccine will be available after 31 July but it will no longer be free for the at risk groups.

Waikato DHB medical officer of health Dr Dell Hood said Waikato has had a record-breaking vaccination season

“As of yesterday (16 July) 94,940 doses of influenza vaccines had been given in Waikato DHB’s area, a dramatic increase on last year’s total of 69,810 vaccines at the same time last year. This represents a wonderful response from our primary care providers,” she said.

However Dr Hood is concerned that many vulnerable people are still unprotected.

“We are concerned that many people continue to confuse influenza with the common cold, and underestimate the serious risk it presents, a risk that is very much higher in the groups for whom influenza vaccine is free.

“People, especially those at greatest risk from influenza complications, should not miss out on their opportunity to be vaccinated at no cost and be immunised as soon as possible,” she said.

For advice about influenza immunisation visit www.fightflu.co.nz or text FLU to 515 or go to www.waikatodhb.health.nz/flu

For free health advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

About Waikato District Health Board and Health Waikato:
Waikato DHB is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the 373,220 people living in the Waikato DHB region. It has an annual turnover of $1.2 billion and employs more than 6450 people.

Health Waikato is the DHB’s main provider of hospital and health services. It has six groups across five hospital sites, three primary birthing units, two continuing care facilities and 20 community bases offering a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and tertiary health services.

A wide range of independent providers deliver other Waikato DHB-funded health services - including primary health, pharmacies and community laboratories.

www.waikatodhb.health.nz

ENDS

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