Mudgee residents are being urged to book their influenza vaccination now to beat the strains that are expected to be the most active strains this winter.
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Unlike previous years, there is no sign of a vaccination shortage and doctors and chemists are starting to get their supplies now.
Doctors are encouraging residents, especially those in high risk categories including the elderly and children, to make an appointment and protect themselves.
New research shows that under-vaccination could be more dangerous to communities than vaccine objectors.
Approximately 4.1 million Australians are under-vaccinated, a report from researchers at the University of NSW and the University of Sydney released on Monday has revealed.
Just 51 per cent of the 3.5 million Australians 65 years and over are vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, despite both having recommended and government-funded vaccines.
There are more opportunities than ever to be vaccinated than ever with a number of pharmacies also offering the flu shot, including Blooms the Chemist.
Blooms is holding a flu clinic on April 7 and 8 to make sure that the town is current on their vaccinations and Alexandra Keipert, a local Mudgee pharmacist, urges people to make sure that the flu can’t get around.
“The flu is a viral infection and a very serious condition, it can be very debilitating for people who contract it, so by getting the vaccination you are making sure you are protecting yourself,” she said.
“You’re insuring that you remain healthy, you are being proactive in preventing getting sick – prevention is always better than a cure.”
“It’s not just about protecting yourself, it’s about being mindful of your whole family unit.”
People over the age of 65, pregnant mothers, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 6 months to 5 years and Indigenous people over 15 are eligible for free influenza vaccination, along with people with medical conditions that are prone to influenza.
According to preliminary medical research, the 2017 vaccine will protect against four of the most serious strains.
Head into Blooms the Chemist 10am – 6pm April 7 or 9.30am – 12:30am April 8 for the vaccinations, with costs set at $25.
