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Flu jab vital as sick skyrocket

EVERYONE’S urged to get their flu shot as soon as possible with influenza cases more than doubling in recent weeks.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard says flu is circulating widely in the community for the first time in two years, coinciding with ongoing high levels of transmission of Covid-19.
“It is crucial everyone gets vaccinated against flu to not only protect themselves, but their colleagues and loved ones against serious illness or worse,” Mr Hazzard said.
“While we know there is vaccination fatigue, I urge the more vulnerable members of our community to book in for a flu jab with their GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.
“The elderly, pregnant women, children aged under five years, Aboriginal people and those with serious health conditions can get a free flu shot now, so please book in.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there were 1,024 new influenza cases in the week ending April 30, compared with 478 cases in the previous week.
“Alongside the increase in flu cases, we are seeing more people with flu presenting to and being admitted to hospital, including among young children,” Dr Chant said.
“People are at higher risk of flu than during the past two years, when Covid-19 public health measures meant we saw very little flu in NSW.
“This can be very serious especially for young children who have had little to no exposure to flu over the last two years. We strongly encourage parents of children aged between six months and five years old, to get them vaccinated without delay.”