By Ewen McRae
Demand for flu vaccinations is higher than ever, ahead of what is predicted to be a prolonged and brutal flu season.
Djerriwarrh Health Services has already administered more than 1000 vaccinations locally this season, including to all staff, staff family members, school teachers and nursing homes.
It comes as 26 people in Victoria have died from influenza as the flu season hits early.
Djerriwarrh Health Services chief executive Belinda Scott said while the Melton and Moorabool communities had not been hit hard by the virus yet, it was important to get the vaccination message out there.
“Just the fact we’re talking about the flu in May is remarkable, as the flu season is traditionally June until September,” Ms Scott said.
“Given we have already seen deaths and significant hospitalisations in other parts of the state does give the indication that the flu season is going to be worse than in the past.
“We’re doing a very wide-ranging vaccination program this year, and encouraging the community to take that up.”
Ms Scott also stressed the importance for pregnant women to get the vaccine in their third trimester, both for the mother and their child.
“By getting the flu vaccine in the third trimester it will actually protect the baby for six months after it is born,” she said. “When they are at their littlest and most vulnerable this gives them that protection, so that’s a key project that we are involved in.”
In past years, just 20 per cent of pregnant women who used DHS services had taken up the flu vaccine. The service is targeting a 100 per cent uptake this year.
Ms Scott said as well as getting an early vaccine, maintaining good personal hygiene was the best form of defence for locals.
“Practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands with warm soapy water, coughing into your elbow and using tissues once and discarding are all important measures to protect you and your family,” she said.
