All NSW residents will be able to get a free flu shot at GPs and pharmacies from June 1st to June 30th. Health Director Dr Kerry Chant said 1,140 cases of respiratory illness had been reported this week, compared with 766 the previous week and 150 hospital admissions and admissions. “We strongly urge all those over the age of six months to be vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, as the virus spreads easily and is potentially fatal,” he said. Dr. Chant. “This is especially important for high-risk groups, such as the elderly and children between the ages of six months and five years. If you live in a care center for the elderly or disabled, you’re over 65 or you have immunodeficiency, now is the time to book.
“We also recommend a COVID-19 winter booster if you are eligible, as flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.”
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Over the weekend, Western Australia and South Australia announced similar policies. WA residents of all ages will be able to receive their free flu shot starting Wednesday at state clinics or participating pharmacies and GPs. People over the age of five in South Australia can go to their local GP or pharmacy to get their free vaccine. Peter Malinauskas said his state program was expected to cost $ 4.9 million. “The dual challenge of widespread community spread of COVID-19 and the flu at the same time during the winter threatens to put more pressure on a hospital system that is already facing significant demand,” Malinauskas said. he said in a statement on Sunday.
“We need to do everything we can to ensure that as many South Australians as possible are immunized against VOCID and the flu to ease the pressure on our hospitals.”
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This year there have been 1,195 confirmed cases of influenza in South Africa, compared to 12 cases in the same period last year. WA has had 194 flu cases in 2022, with only 20 per cent of Western Australians receiving their flu vaccine so far this year. “After two years of very low flu, I urge all Western Australians to protect themselves now before the worst winter,” WA Prime Minister Mark McGowan said in a statement. It comes after Queensland made free flu shots for everyone. people six months and older.
In NSW they will be free through GPs and pharmacists for those five years or more during June, while Victoria is considering a similar deal and other states and territories are likely to continue.
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NSW Pharmacy Guild President David Heffernan said on Sunday that the state’s decision to go ahead with the program underscored its commitment to protecting residents in what is emerging as a very severe flu season.
“Leveraging the vaccination capacity of community pharmacists is crucial to addressing all preventable hospitalizations,” he said.
Rising deaths from COVID-19
Deaths from COVID-19 rise again with Australia registering 88 fatalities over the weekend. Victoria reported more than 7,300 new virus cases and 16 deaths, NSW, more than 6,500 infections and four deaths on Sunday. There were 3,047 cases in Queensland and two deaths. , 7,100 infections and seven deaths in Western Australia and one death in Tasmania. It follows that the nation reported a total of 58 deaths on Saturday along with nearly 34,000 cases.
The number of active virus cases in Australia is nearly 305,000, with more than 2,700 patients recovering in hospitals.
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Meanwhile, one of Australia’s leading charities warns that the effect of COVID-19 on children’s education is not over. A survey by the Smith family found that one in two parents and caregivers believe the pandemic is still making it difficult for their children to learn. About three-quarters of parents and caregivers are concerned about their children’s future homework and have struggled to help them during the pandemic. Two-thirds say the virus has made it difficult to start school this year.
The report comes as the charity begins its last winter call, hoping to raise $ 5.4 million nationwide to support 12,000 students through mentoring and extracurricular programs.