Flu vaccinations encouraged

Influenza awareness in the Southern Lakes is getting a shot in the arm from the Southern District Health Board.

Lakes residents are being urged to protect themselves by getting vaccinated against the highly infectious respiratory illness before the annual influx of international visitors arrives for the winter ski season.

General practices and schools in the Southern DHB catchment had reported an increase in cases of flu-like illnesses throughout the lower South Island in late July last year.

Teenagers and young adults were the age group most affected.

The Southern DHB expected a higher-than-usual rate of hospital admissions from influenza in New Zealand this year, based on reports of influenza incidence and severity in the northern hemisphere.

There was a different strain of flu every year and those who had an injection years ago might not be covered for the latest strain.

The flu vaccine was now available on request at general practices and for qualifying residents there was no charge.

Queenstown Medical Centre charged $20 to $30 and the Wakatipu Medical Centre charged $30 for an influenza injection for people who did not meet criteria for free vaccinations.

Dr Keith Reid, Medical Officer of Health for the Southern DHB, said residents needed to remember the flu was not just a bad cold, but for some ''a serious illness that can result in people being hospitalised, and even dying''.

''Even if it does not affect you that badly, you can still expect to spend up to a week in bed, preventing you from working, or realistically, doing any activity that requires you to leave the house.''

Dr Reid said vaccination was also now recommended to women at any stage of pregnancy.

''We know that women who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable to the influenza virus and are as much as 13 times more likely to end up in hospital as a result of the flu.''

Employers were encouraged to support vaccinations for employees as it could help keep staff healthy, reduce the number of days people were off sick with the flu, and help prevent the spread of flu through the workplace.

Offering free or subsidised vaccinations at work was one way employers could support staff and look after their businesses, Dr Reid said.

Free for some
The flu vaccination is free if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Being over 65

• Being under 65, but suffering from a medical condition such as asthma, breathing difficulties, diabetes, heart disease, most cancers

• Being pregnant

To get vaccinated, to find out more if you are eligible for a free vaccination, or for more information, talk to your family doctor or practice nurse, visit www.fightflu.co.nz.