Community urged to vaccinate as flu season begins in NSW

More than 1200 people in NSW were diagnosed with influenza during the past week, 9 April to 15 April, a 13% increase compared with the previous week.

At the same time, there was also an increase in the number of people who presented to NSW emergency departments with influenza-like illness and required admission to hospital – the greatest increase has been in children.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said now is the time to book in for your influenza vaccine.

“Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get a flu vaccine and these are available through GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged 5 years and over,” Dr Chant said.

“In particular, we want to remind priority groups that the flu vaccine is free and readily available – so please, book in today to give yourself the best possible protection from severe illness that can be brought on by influenza.”

Priority groups include:

• children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• people aged 65 and over
• Aboriginal people from 6 months of age
• pregnant women
• Those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.

 All adults can get a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster if it’s been 6 months or longer since their last COVID-19 booster or confirmed infection (whichever is most recent) for additional protection against severe illness from COVID-19.

More advice on COVID-19 booster vaccines.

We can all take steps to help protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19 and flu, including:

• Stay up to date with your recommended flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms.
• Wear a mask in crowded, indoor places.
• Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows.
• Wash or sanitise your hands often.
• Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines.
• Don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza.
• Take a rapid antigen test to test for COVID-19 especially before visiting vulnerable loved ones.

More information on Influenza.