Flu deaths in Australia
May 24th, 2019
Vaccination available 1 April till 31 December. Get protected today.
Three children are among the 26 people who have died with the flu in the Australian state of Victoria so far this year, and the number of influenza cases across the state is already nearing the total number recorded last season.
The World Health Organisation warned that the number of flu cases in Australia was the highest in 20 years.
There were no known deaths at the same time last year, and just one by late May in the horror 2017 flu season.
Influenza vaccination is FREE for people who are most at risk.
The vaccine is especially important for people at risk of serious complications from influenza including:
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- People aged 65 years and older
- People aged under 65 years with any of the medical conditions listed in the link here.
- Children aged 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
Immunisation is free for pregnant women
Influenza immunisation is strongly recommended for women who will be (or intend to be) pregnant during autumn and winter (usually early March to 31 December each year).
You are at risk of Influenza while pregnant
Influenza is not a cold. It can be a dangerous illness that poses a serious risk to your life and that of your unborn baby. There are a number of influenza related complications that can affect baby’s development in the womb and can even lead to miscarriage or premature birth.
A range of physical changes during pregnancy (such as changes in immunity) increase a pregnant woman’s risk of serious influenza complications. New Zealand research shows that pregnant women are nearly 5 times more likely to be hospitalised with influenza than women who are not pregnant.
Influenza immunisation will not harm your unborn baby
It may be reassuring to know that your influenza vaccine does not cross the placenta into your baby. The vaccine simply stimulates your own immune system to make antibodies that can fight off the virus.