Ahead of the rodeo season, the North West Hospital and Health Board has a simple message to the public: It’s not too late to get the flu jab – in fact you should!
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North West HHB chair, Paul Woodhouse got the flu jab recently and is now encouraging other residents of the North West to do the same.
“It’s so important, not just for our individual health, but for the health of patients in our hospitals and clinics, of at risk patients, of our health workers, and just generally to maintain a good level of health in the community,” Mr Woodhouse said.
Like Mr Woodhouse, patients who are not at risk can get their vaccinations from their local GP or most pharmacies.
Pharmacist Shana O’Connor, who vaccinated Mr Woodhouse at Mount Isa’s Pharmacy First, said the process was very simple.
“It only takes a minute, doesn’t cost much, and most pharmacies will be able to vaccinate you on a walk-in basis,” Ms O’Connor said.
It only takes a minute, doesn’t cost much, and most pharmacies will be able to vaccinate you on a walk-in basis
- Shana O'Connor
Associate Professor Alan Sandford said the flu season in Australia runs from May to October, and peaks in August, and with most major tourism events still in front of us, such as the Mount Isa and Cloncurry Shows, Cloncurry’s Merry Muster, the Campdraft and the Mount Isa Rodeo, it was important for members of the public to get vaccinated soon.
“This effective and safe vaccine is recommended and available for free for pregnant women and many older people who suffer from an underlying or chronic medical condition like heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes,” he said.
And if you still think you’re going to risk not having the flu jab, here’s some information from North West HHS Executive Director of Medical Services, Associate Professor Alan Sandford:
• Influenza virus can live outside the human body for two weeks (think about that handrail you just touched)
• We begin to shed virus in our respiratory droplets (eg talking) about 12 hours after infection – before we even know we have been infected
• It can take up to nine days after infection before we show symptoms of influenza
• We remain infectious for up to a week after symptoms begin
• Many of us will continue to work while unwell
At risk patients, listed below, can get the flu vaccination free from their local GP or health service provider.
• All adults aged 65 or over
• Pregnant women
• ATSI people over 15
• ATSI children 6-15
• Individuals six months of age or older with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza.
