Aussies urged to get swine flu vaccine

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http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/aussies-urged-to-get-swine-flu-vaccine-20100321-qnq7.html

Aussies urged to get swine flu vaccine

March 21, 2010

AAP

An advertising campaign warning Australians to prepare themselves for the flu season has begun, as authorities try to prevent another swine flu pandemic.

Australia's flu season officially starts in May, but already there have been 50 confirmed cases of swine flu in the country this year.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon is appealing to the public to be vaccinated, especially those vulnerable to the virus, such as pregnant women, the chronically ill, elderly and indigenous Australians.

The free PanvaxH1N1 vaccine is available to all Australians aged six months and older during the 2010 flu season.

"To help people understand the risks swine flu poses to the community and the need for all people to get vaccinated the Australian government is launching the Facts about Swine Flu campaign," Ms Roxon said in a statement.

In 2009, there were 37,636 cases of swine flu in Australia, including 191 associated deaths.

The median age of those who died was 53 years, compared to 83 years for seasonal influenza, the statement said.

"Armed with these facts about what happened in Australia last year I am urging people, particularly parents, to get the swine flu vaccine for themselves and their families now.

"It's safe, it's effective and it's free for everyone six months and older."

Ms Roxon encouraged people to be immunised now to ease pressure on vaccination providers when the winter flu season starts.

© 2010 AAP