MORE Victorians now have greater access to influenza vaccines as extra supplies are available, according to the state\u2019s Chief Health Officer.<\/p>\n
Professor Charles Guest said an additional vaccine production run organised by the federal government meant about 120,000 doses of vaccine that can be used in all adults 18 years and above were now available.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd there are more than 70,000 doses of vaccine for younger age groups eligible under the Victorian funded program for children six months to under five years now available to GPs and immunisation providers.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren under nine years of age who have never before received a flu vaccine need two doses given one month apart to be fully protected.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny at risk groups in the community who are eligible for free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program or the Victorian under five program who have not had their shot so far this year can now obtain it from their GP or vaccination provider.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vaccination is still highly recommended for all Victorians, especially those in the \u201cat risk\u201d groups.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlu vaccinations save lives. We know influenza is a highly contagious viral infection, spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes; that\u2019s why we\u2019ve obtained more vaccine to protect more Victorians,\u201d Professor Guest said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s never too late to get a flu shot, and with influenza activity just now on the rise, getting a shot now will provide full season protection right through winter and beyond the expected peak in late September.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen more people are vaccinated, fewer people become ill or suffer life-threatening complications from influenza.\u201d<\/p>\n
In total, Victoria has distributed 1,731,184 influenza vaccines. This is 448,000 more doses than 2017, when 1,283,580 vaccines were distributed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MORE Victorians now have greater access to influenza vaccines as extra supplies are available, according to the state\u2019s Chief Health Officer. Professor Charles Guest said an additional vaccine production run organised by the federal government meant about 120,000 doses of vaccine that can be used in all adults 18 years and above were now available. […]<\/p>\n