Ramsay Health Care Limited
Ramsay Health Care Limited
04/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/09/2024 18:53
No time to waste: Australians urged to act ahead of flu season
No time to waste: Australians urged to act ahead of flu season
April 10, 2024
Australians have been urged to roll up for a flu vaccination before the winter cold sets in.
Last year, more than a quarter of a million Australians were struck down by influenza during the flu season, which began earlier and lasted longer than usual.*
Ramsay Pharmacist, Alex Mackenzie-Templar, said an early vaccination gave your immune system the best chance of building immunity before flu viruses began to circulate widely in the community.
"Between March and May is the ideal time to get your flu vaccine, before the cold weather really sets in," Mr Mackenzie-Templar said.
"The flu shot is the most effective way to ward off the flu for you and the people around you. It is particularly important for our most vulnerable community members including people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, those over the age of 65, pregnant women and young people."
"It's also an important time to practice good hand hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes and disinfect frequently touched surfaces to reduce your risk of illness.
"And if you or a loved one are sick, please stay home to get well and keep the rest of the community safe."
Don't wait until it's too late, schedule your flu shot today at one of Ramsay Health Care's 62 community pharmacies.
Reports show in 2023, the flu vaccination had a 64 per cent effectiveness rate when it came to preventing contracting the virus, and a 68 per cent effectiveness rate when it came to preventing hospitalisations.*