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Doctors recommend flu vaccine for ‘at risk’ groups

4 March 2009.

Doctors are urging older Victorians and people with chronic diseases to protect themselves against new strains of influenza by visiting their general practitioner for an annual flu vaccination.

AMA Victoria Vice President Dr Harry Hemley said the flu vaccination was the most effective protection against harmful influenza viruses.

“We’re not just talking about common colds,” Dr Hemley said. “Influenza is a highly contagious disease which is spread through coughing or sneezing. It can cause serious and debilitating complications for the elderly and people with suppressed immunity.

“Autumn is a good time for vaccinations, as the flu season usually begins in winter.”

Dr Hemley said guidelines set by the National Health Medical Research Council recommended flu vaccinations for everyone over 65, and others at risk group of complications, such as those suffering chronic disease or illnesses requiring regular medical follow-up or hospitalisation.

“Vaccination is vitally important for these at risks groups. More than 2,500 ‘at risk’ Australians die each year from complications caused by influenza.

Dr Hemley said fewer than half of those at risk receive annual immunisations. “We want to reduce this rate of influenza by encouraging higher rates of vaccination,” he said.  

“The flu vaccine is also available to the wider community. If you're not sure whether you should be vaccinated, talk to your GP.” 

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Background:

The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends annual vaccination for:

  • All individuals over 65 years of age
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older or aged 15-49 with risk factors
  • Adults and children (above 6 months of age) with:
    • Chronic suppurative lung disease, including bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and chronic emphysema
    • Chronic (long-term) heart conditions including cyanotic congestive heart disease, coronary heart disease and congestive heart disease
    • Chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the preceding year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, haemoglobinopathies or immunosuppression, severe asthma
    • Immune deficiency, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use
    • Residents of nursing homes or other long-term facilities and contacts of high risk patients, including health-care providers, staff of nursing homes and long-term care facilities and household members of persons in high-risk groups
    • Children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy
    • Women planning a pregnancy and pregnant women who will be in the second or third trimester during the influenza season, including those in the first trimester at the time of vaccination

Visit www.fightflu.gov.au for more information.

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