Territorians are being warned that with the flu season just around the corner it is time to get vaccinated.

Director of the Centre for Disease Control, Dr Vicki Krause, said influenza activity was likely to increase in coming months.

“Once the season starts flu travels and spreads easily,” Dr Krause said.

“The 2016 influenza vaccine is now available. People should be aware that it takes two weeks for the body to produce a protective immune response after getting the influenza vaccine.

“Right now is the best time to see your GP, Aboriginal medical clinic or community clinic.

“Flu vaccinations need to be updated each year, which means if you received the vaccine in 2015 it is time to renew your protection.”

Dr Krause said the influenza vaccine does not contain any live virus, meaning people cannot catch the flu from the vaccine.

“Flu can be very severe and debilitating and should be treated seriously. People often end up in bed for several days while others can develop serious complications.

“Last year there were more than 700 notifications in the NT,  with 254 people admitted to hospital with influenza infection.”

Free influenza vaccine is available for those at increased risk of serious complications from influenza. The main at-risk groups include women in all stages of pregnancy, Aboriginal people between six months and five years of age and Indigenous people 15 or older.

 Others at risk include anyone older than 65 and anyone with a chronic medical condition, including those with diabetes, kidney, heart or lung diseases.  People with impaired immunity from medication or cancer should also be vaccinated.

“Everyone who wants to avoid contracting influenza should be vaccinated. So, see your GP or health provider, including some pharmacies,  as soon as possible to protect yourself and the community from the spread of influenza,” Dr Krause said.

For further information about Influenza and the vaccine, please visit the following link:

http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Flu/index.aspx or speak to your health provider.

CONTACT: Fred McCue 0401 119 792