Vaccine update
Information on the announcement about the vaccination program for children can be found on the Department of Health and Ageing website www.healthemergency.gov.au
Please click on the 'Where can I get a flu shot?' link on the left hand side of this page to see a list of vaccine providers.
The national pandemic vaccination program began on 30 September. In South Australia, the program is focused on vaccinating certain groups with a higher level of contact with those in vulnerable groups (for example health care workers) and those vulnerable to more severe complications from infection with swine flu.
These groups are:-
- Pregnant women
- Children (aged 10 years and over) and adults with underlying chronic medical conditions including:-
- Chronic respiratory conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cardiac disease (excluding simple hypertension)
- Chronic renal disease
- Chronic metabolic diseases
- Haemoglobinopathies (such as sickle cell disease and anaemia)
- Chronic neurological diseases
- Those whose immune system is compromised through illness, medication or treatment - for example people with HIV or having treatment for cancer
- Those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35
- Health care and community care workers (including volunteers and students)* see end of page for definition
- Indigenous people (including children but only those 10 years of age and older)
- Children aged 10 years and older in special schools
- Parents and guardians of children aged 0 to 6 months
While emphasis is on targeting these priority groups, the vaccination of anyone who wishes to protect themselves from pandemic influenza is also encouraged.
Current 'swine flu' situation
We are no longer reporting the number of cases of swine flu in South Australia. Below are the numbers at Friday 27 November for information.
Number of confirmed cases in South Australia - 9,117
Current number of cases hospitalised last week - 0
Of these hospitalised cases, the number in intensive care – 0
Number of deaths associated with H1N1 Influenza 09 – 29
Help stop the spread
- Get a flu shot
- Wash your hands often
- Wipe over frequently touched surfaces
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay at home if you are ill
- If you are concerned about your health then contact your GP
If you need advice over the phone, please call the Swine Flu Hotline on 180 2007 or healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
Remember – emergency departments are for emergencies. Only people who are seriously unwell should call or visit an emergency department.
* Definition of health care and community care worker
Health care worker - a person who has direct contact with patients, either in the community or hospital setting, in both public and private practice settings, focusing on the following:-
- all staff within or working with Aboriginal Medical Services, general practice, remote or community health clinics and ambulance services
- all hospital and outpatient staff focusing on those who have direct patient contact
- all staff working in acute care clinics/satellite clinics that provide care, limited to diabetic clinics, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, dialysis and oncology and perinatal care
Community and residential care workers - aged care and disability services workers who have direct patient contact while providing community and residential services to vulnerable groups
Information on seasonal flu (including links to the 'Sneeze' advert) can still be found by clicking the link 'Seasonal flu' on the left hand side of the page.