This season’s influenza vaccine is now available and health authorities are urging everyone to get vaccinated. Flu spreads easily and can cause severe disease especially in the young, elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions.

Influenza is spread by coughing, sneezing and contact with infected hands or surfaces contaminated with influenza virus.

Dr Rosalind Webby, Head of Immunisation said the best form of prevention is vaccination.

“It is important for Territorians to protect themselves and the community from the spread of influenza infection.”

“Influenza can cause severe illness or even death, especially in people at high risk such as pregnant women, Indigenous people, the elderly, individuals with specific chronic medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and chronic heart, renal or lung diseases.

“Seasonal influenza symptoms are characterized by a sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, severe muscle and joint pain, sore throat and a runny nose.

“The cough can be severe and can last 2 or more weeks.”

It takes two weeks for the body to produce a protective immune response after getting the influenza vaccine. Territorians are encouraged to visit their General Practitioner, Aboriginal Medical Clinic, vaccine providing pharmacy or community clinic to receive the vaccine.

The 2017 vaccine is now available and is free for:

• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• Indigenous people aged between 6 months to less than 5 years and 15 years and over
• Elderly individuals (aged 65 years and older) and
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions.

For further information about Influenza and the vaccine, please visit nt.gov.au or speak to your health provider.

Media contact: Sally Edwards 0491 228 375