NSW had recorded an unusually high number of influenza cases diagnosed this summer, which may be due to travellers returning from holidays in winter climates. 

Confirmed influenza cases have doubled from last year January, with 2196 cases confirmed from the beginning of the year until February. 

“Nearly every state and territory is seeing unusually high levels of flu activity with the national reporting rate almost three times the average for this time of year,” Director of Communicable Diseases for NSW Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said. 

NSW Health is especially encouraging pregnant women to receive their free flu shots. 

“It is a timely warning for pregnant women to get a flu shot so the antibodies will help protect their babies until they are old enough to be vaccinated at six months of age,” Dr Sheppeard said. 

Flu vaccines are free for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people aged 65 and over, and people with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart problems or severe asthma. 

“Pregnant women in their final trimester who are due to give birth before April should get along to their GP, or their trained pharmacist, and get a free flu shot,” Dr Sheppeard said. 

“For the rest of us, it is best to wait until the 2019 flu vaccine becomes available in April or May but if you are already unwell, avoid visiting hospitals, aged care facilities or infants.”

$22.75 million has been invested by the NSW Government for the state-wide immunisation program in 2018-19. 

The investment includes $3.5 million free flu shots for children up to five years of age. 

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