A DELAY in the national influenza program has left West Australians with about six weeks to get vaccinated before winter.
The government-funded flu vaccine for at-risk groups will be made available from April 20, a month later than usual, due to manufacturing delays with incorporating two new strains into the vaccine.
WA Country Health Service South West public health physician Dr Naru Pal said a total of 24 cases have been reported to the South West Public Health Unit to date in 2015 compared to 21 cases at the same time last year.
Dr Pal said the 2015 vaccine contains three seasonal influenza strains – with two strain changes from the 2014 vaccine to provide effective protection against a deadly strain that circulated in most recent flu season in the northern hemisphere.
He said at this stage there had been low level of influenza activity, however people were advised that the single best way to avoid getting the flu is to be vaccinated.
Simple steps to stop the spread of flu include:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or use the inside of your arm when you cough or sneeze.
Throw used tissues in the bin.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel especially after you cough or sneeze.
Try to avoid close contact with people who have flu symptoms.
If you have the flu, stay home from work or school and limit your contact with other people.
If you need to see a doctor, call ahead so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk to other people.
