The number of Maitland people rolling up their sleeve this season for the annual flu jab has increased significantly as awareness of this year’s deadly strain spreads.
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There has been conflicting information about when to vaccinate, some believing they should hold off until May, others saying to vaccinate sooner rather than later.
While some GP’s only received their vaccines last week, Priceline Pharmacy at Pender Place Maitland has been vaccinating since mid-March.
Priceline and Terry White Maitland pharmacist Sangita Shah has noticed a spike in the number of people coming forward for the vaccination this year.
“It’s up significantly from last year,” she said. “I think the stronger demand this year is a result of a recent A Current Affair program which really raised awareness. People are really taking it on board that this can be a serious illness and they can do something about it.”
You can book online for the Priceline flu vaccine service. Ms Shah said this year she has vaccinated about 207 people at the Maitland pharmacy.
“I would advise getting the injection sooner rather than later so you’ve got coverage and not spreading it around. It lasts four to five months and when you get to the end of that period you can have a second vaccination or a top up,” she said.
NSW Health is urging people to get their flu shot by the end of May. NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said the flu vaccines are now available at most GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, and for children, at most council and community health services. “The best time to have the flu vaccine is in April or May to ensure protection doesn’t wane before the season peaks. It takes two weeks to be fully effective.
