All Territorians aged 10 years and over are being urged to get vaccinated against H1N1 Pandemic Influenza (swine flu).
"The vaccine is available for everyone. Now is the best time to be vaccinated as we are still seeing new cases in the Territory and there may be a second wave of the pandemic," said Dr Peter Markey, Acting Director, Centre for Disease Control,
NT Department of Health and Families.
"The vaccine has been available in the NT for just over a month and so far the uptake has been very good."
People in high risk groups are reminded that they should receive the vaccine if they have not already done so. People in these groups include pregnant women, Aboriginal people, and people with chronic diseases. These include respiratory diseases (such as asthma), heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, morbid obesity, and conditions affecting the immune system.
"It is also important for travellers to be immunised as the pandemic is still active in other countries".
Those in close contact with people in high risk groups and parents and carers of children under six months are also being encouraged to receive the vaccine.
The pandemic influenza vaccine is available from urban vaccination clinics, remote health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services and most GP practices.
"The pandemic flu vaccine has Therapeutic Goods Administration approval, is safe, effective, and side effects are generally mild. It is not a live vaccine and so it cannot cause influenza," added Dr Markey.
Vaccination for children under ten years of age will be available following approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Further information on the H1N1 vaccine program is available at:
www.swinefluvax.nt.gov.au
www.healthemergency.gov.au
The national Pandemic Flu hotline on 1802007
Swine flu vaccination clinics
Darwin and Palmerston: Monday to Friday. For an appointment call Casuarina Community Care Centre on 8922 7301 or Palmerston Community Care Centre on 8999 3344.
Alice Springs: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm at Alice Springs Hospital. Contact the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Alice Springs on
8951 9566 for an appointment.
Katherine: At the Community Health Centre, Government Building, 1st Street.
Call 8973 8570 for an appointment.
Tennant Creek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 3.00 and 4.30 pm at the Tennant Creek General Practice. Call 8962 2622 for an appointment.
Nhulunbuy: At CDC Nhulunbuy. Call 8987 0357 for an appointment.
Release posted: 10 November 2009
