Over 700 adults died from vaccine-preventable diseases in Australia over four years, which is why the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) is urging everyone to get vaccinated and immunised this flu season.
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The deaths were predominately caused by pneumococcus, which causes pneumonia, meningitis amongst other infections, influenza and herpes zoster (shingles), RDAA president Dr Adam Coltzau said.
Dr Coltzau said having the flu vaccination prevents you from getting really sick if you get the flu and also stops you going into intensive care.
“Not only does a flu vaccination prevent you from getting sick but “it prevents transmission to vulnerable members of the community, which include pregnant women, people who are immunocompromised and the elderly.
“If everyone in the population got immunised, then not only would they not be unwell… but there will also be less risk of them transmitting the flu to pregnant women, or to their neighbour with cancer…”
Dr Coltzau said 2017 was “the worst flu season Australia has had in over 20 years”.
“If there’s a free (vaccination) program in any town I really recommend people take part in it,” Dr Coltzau said.
“But if there isn’t a free one, pay the $30 and just get a vaccine because it’s so important to not only you protecting yourself, but you’re protecting your children, your pregnant neighbour… you’re doing your bit for your community.”
The World Health Organisation’s World Immunisation Week was held last month.
This year’s theme ‘Protected Together: Vaccines Work’ encouraged people at every level, from country contributors to the general public to go further in their efforts to increase immunisation coverage.
Western NSW Local Health District Manager Health Protection Priscilla Stanley said vaccination is the best way to protect your child from serious diseases.
“Each vaccine plays an important role, so timely vaccination is the best way to protect your child. The NSW Health website offers parents access to comprehensive information on immunisation as well as easy-to-use free tools designed to help you save the date to vaccinate.