Vaccination News Home Page

http://abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s581315.htm

Friday, June  14, 2002. Posted: 06:44:56 (AEDT)

Victoria heading for one if its worst flu seasons

There are fears Victoria is heading for its worst flu season in five years with health authorities calling for people at risk of influenza and pneumonia to be immunised.

The Monash Medical Centre and Alfred Hospital have already recorded an increase in the number of people with respiratory complaints this year.

Free vaccinations are offered to people aged 65 and over and to people in at-risk groups.

Victorian Health Minister John Thwaites says people should not become complacent.

"Some people may feel that they're okay when in fact we haven't hit the main flu season yet.

"It does appear from the statistics already that we're headed towards our worst flu season for many years, something like 35 per cent of older Victorians still have not had their pneumonia shot," Mr Thwaites said.

Print  Email

Vaccination News Home Page

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.