In 2009, the World Health Organisation alerted us to a new strain of Influenza H1N1, or swine flu. The virus caused many deaths world wide, particularly in healthy young adults, was contagious and spread from human to human.
A National Pandemic (H1N1) Vaccination Program commenced on September 2009.
For More Information
The Australian Government has a Health Emergency Website which will keep you up-to-date with important information about pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza outbreaks in Australia, and the actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and the community. The guidance provided is based on current information and is subject to change based on ongoing surveillance and risk assessment.
The website is located at: www.healthemergency.gov.au
There is also a Pandemic Hotline: 1802-007
Other websites include:
At The Surgery
We have set up and continued to maintain a hand station outside the surgery. Before entering, all patients are asked to apply the antimicrobial hand gel to help us prevent the spread of infection in the waiting room.
In any season, it remains important to inform our receptionists if you have febrile, respiratory symptoms, so we can assist you appropriately.
This Year's Influenza Vaccine Program
This year's seasonal flu vaccine protects against three new strains of flu virus and includes the H1N1 (pandemic flu) virus strain. There are three important messages we want to convey:
Health authorities are concerned that vaccination coverage currently remains below what is needed to protect the community against an anticipated second wave of pandemic H1N1 influenza this year. Based on northern hemisphere experience they are expecting the flu to arrive early, and more than 90% of that influenza, will be swine flu.
Why should everyone be vaccinated?
In the 2009 season, 38% of deaths from H1N1 occurred in people with no known risk factors and the median age of death was 53 years, compared with 83 years from seasonal influenza.
It is particularly important to vaccinate children, adolescents and young adults as pandemic H1N1 spreads more readily in these age groups.
Am I eligible for a free flu vaccine?
You are eligible for a FREE vaccination if you fall into the following categories:
For the convenience of patients who do not fall into these categories, we have stocks available at the surgery for purchase.
Our practice nurse is conducting Vaccination Clinics at the following times:
Monday afternoons 4:00pm - 5:00pm and
Wednesday & Friday mornings 9:30am - 10:30am
Please make an appointment
A word of warning about Whooping Cough.
Despite high vaccination coverage rates in infants since 2001, Pertussis has remained endemic with epidemic cycles in our community.
We have seen several cases here in our practice recently. Symptoms include an exhausting cough that lasts 100 days, so we are recommending a booster vaccination. We have vaccines available at the surgery called Adacel or Boostrix, which also includes protection against Tetanus and Diphtheria. A bonus for those aged over 50 ... this vaccine will give you life long immunity to tetanus.
Who needs one?
Meningococcal disease is most prevalent in South Australia during winter and spring. It can affect all age groups, but is most common in children under five years of age and in young adults 15-24 years.
There are 13 different types of meningococcus, but most infections in Australia are caused by Types B and C. The National Immunisation Program recommends vaccination for children at 12 months of age but this is only against Type C.
It is important to note that the range of vaccines for Meningococcal do not protect against all types and people must be alert for symptoms of the disease.
Meningococcal disease is a severe infection caused by the meningococcus bacterium which may result in meningitis (infection of the outer lining of the brain and spinal cord), septicaemia (infection of the blood), joint infection, eye infection, pneumonia and rash.
It can cause shock and death within hours of the onset of symptoms. In Australia, 5-10% of people with meningococcal disease die, despite rapid treatment. Early recognition and treatment can be life-saving.
You can download a FACT SHEET from the Department of Health website: http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/communicable-diseases-index.htm
or for more information contact: Communicable Disease Control Branch - Telephone: 8226 7177