One third of Tasmanians are vaccinated against swine flu, exceeding the target set by health authorities.
With 163,800 Tasmanians receiving their HINI vaccination, the state is better protected this winter against the swine flu virus – the expected dominant strain. The virus has recently re-emerged in New Zealand and is sweeping through a number of schools.
Department of Health and Human Services Director of Public Health Dr Roscoe Taylor says that although the flu is not yet spreading widely in our community, Tasmanians should not become complacent.
“The good news is that our summer vaccination program has prepared us well,” Dr Taylor says.
“Because of the program’s success, we expect any impact of a pandemic second wave to be less severe than it could have been because a significant proportion of the population will be resistant.”
For those not vaccinated, however, the virus can still cause serious ill health. If the virus does spread it could still have a significant impact on school and workplace absenteeism and on our health services.
Advice for Tasmanians this winter:
- people in high risk groups (people with chronic illness, pregnant women, the elderly) should have the seasonal flu vaccine. The cost of this vaccine is covered for these people by the Australian Government
- Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Jim Bishop says the seasonal flu vaccine for children under five years can be resumed and parents who wish to have their children vaccinated should discuss with their GP or vaccine provider regarding the use of Vaxigrip or Influvac
- the rest of the population, including low risk children, can also still receive the dedicated swine flu (HINI) vaccine from their local GP, with no cost for the vaccine
- remember if you are unwell, stay away from work and others, don’t travel and seek advice from your GP if your symptoms get worse
- always cover your coughs and sneezes and ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after coughing or sneezing.
- wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand gel regularly.