2019 summer flu has hit a record-high of 27 outbreaks, 7,584 recorded flu cases and seven deaths in NSW. 

The number of confirmed flu cases in NSW for the first three months of 2019 is more than double the numbers for the same period in 2017 and 2018. 

“There have already been 7,584 recorded flu cases in NSW during the warmer months so the best protection ahead of winter is to be vaccinated to build up resistance,” NSW Health’s Communicable Diseases Director, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said. 

Health NSW is urging people to receive their flu vaccines by next month. 

Free vaccines for children aged from six months to under five years of age, pregnant women, Indigenous Australians, those aged over 65, and anyone with conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease will be available through GPs. 

People not eligible for the free vaccines are urged to be vaccinated from their GP or an eligible pharmacist. 

“Flu vaccines have already been distributed to aged care facilities but for the wider population, supplies should be with their GP by May 1,” Dr Sheppeard said.

More than 250,000 flu vaccines have been distributed so far, with 42,000 being delivered to aged care facilities across NSW. 

“Last year we had the mildest flu season in five years but as we all remember, more than 650 people died from influenza-related illness in 2017. Thanks to many factors, including the vigilance of the community last year, we avoided repeating the deadly flu season of 2017. We must not be complacent this year,” Dr Sheppeard said. 

So far in 2019, Australia has recorded 27,540 lab-confirmed flu cases, with 3,092 confirmed cases within the first 11 days of April. 

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