More flu vaccines available | South Australian Prime Minister

Free flu vaccines for children under the age of 5, pregnant women, and other South Australians most vulnerable to the effects of the flu, have arrived at GPS and pharmacies this week.

there was This year, 2,324 flu cases – Nearly 700 more than last year's same time.

South Australia has a comprehensive free flu vaccine program for people at high risk of severe illness. This is about 600,000 South Australians, including people over 65, children under 5 to under 5, Aboriginal people over 6 months, and people with certain medical conditions.

After delivering the vaccine to people over 65 years of age at GPS, pharmacies and other vaccination providers, the vaccine arrived this week for others covered by the national vaccination program.

Health officials want to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to the effects of influenza infection are ready for the flu season and get vaccinated.

SA Health is working hard to distribute the flu vaccines statewide and sourced by the Australian government to ensure that everyone at higher risk can get the flu vaccine in a timely manner.

This will encourage parents and caregivers to protect young children with the annual flu vaccine as new ad campaigns begin on social media, and encourage other prioritization groups to do the same.

The “Stop the Flu” campaign will run through May on Facebook and Instagram, promoting the free flu vaccine to eligible groups. You can view campaigns here.

Vaccines are adjusted seasonally to protect against new strains. Vaccine delivery is timed between June and September to ensure South Australians can be vaccinated and protected just a few months before the peak flu season.

South Australia also offers free flu vaccines to adults and children who have experienced homelessness and are not eligible for the free flu vaccine under the NIP.

Last year, South Australia's flu vaccine intake exceeded the national average, the highest in the mainland.

Nearly 35% of South Australia received the flu vaccine. This is a better intake than Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Symptoms of influenza include the rapid development of fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, and childhood diarrhea.

Many people recover within a week, but cough and fatigue can last longer. In those at most risk, the flu can cause serious illnesses, complications and hospitalizations, and sadly even death.

For more information, please see www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/flu

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Caused by Chris Picton

We call parents to protect young children from the flu by arriving this week and booking them for vaccinations.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to the serious effects of the flu and are more likely to be in hospital.

We listen to health experts by providing excellent programs that provide free flu vaccines to around 600,000 South Australians, including those over 65, children under 5, pregnant women, Aboriginal people over 6 months, and those at the root of their health status.

South Australians have a strong record of rolling up their sleeves. Last year, our flu vaccine intake was higher than the national average and higher than the mainland states, so even more South Australians are hoping to protect this flu season.

It comes from Professor Nicola Sprie, Chief Public Health Officer

Every winter season has serious consequences from the flu. Especially among certain groups, such as very young children, pregnant people, elderly people, and people with chronic health conditions.

Prevention has always been better than treatment, and with this life-saving vaccine now available, we encourage all priorities South Australians to book appointments and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

I would especially like to remind all parents with children under the age of 5 that vaccinating your little one is the most effective way to protect this flu season from serious illness.

Your child's health is my priority, so make sure to book that and keep everyone safe this winter.