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Authorities are also urging people to get vaccinated ahead of rising case numbers.<\/p>\n
The 2026 flu vaccine has been available since April and is free for children aged six months to under five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged six months and over, people aged 65 and over, and those with serious health conditions.<\/p>\n
The NSW Government has also introduced a free nasal spray flu vaccine for young people aged two to 17 years.<\/p>\n
Minister for Health Ryan Park said hospitals were preparing for increased pressure as winter illness rises.<\/p>\n
“Winter is a period where we expect there will be significant demand on our healthcare services because people will get sicker,” Park said.<\/p>\n
“We can lower our risk of flu by ensuring we are up to date with our vaccinations, especially our school aged children and over 65s. For younger people who are averse to needles, you can now receive a free vaccine in the form of a nasal spray.”<\/p>\n
For more information on respiratory illness or to book a flu vaccination, visit the NSW Health website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NSW hospitals are preparing for an expected rise in presentations and admissions as winter progresses. Winter is traditionally a busy period for the public health system, with increased demand linked to respiratory illnesses such as influenza. NSW recorded its largest influenza season on record last year, with 186,768 cases and more than 23,700 emergency department […]<\/p>\n