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Influenza vaccination free for people with diabetes
If you're living with diabetes then the National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG) recommends you get a free seasonal influenza vaccination from your local health centre before June 30, 2006.
No matter how fit or tough you are, when the influenza virus is going around, anyone can catch it.
That's the message in a campaign fronted by former All-Black captain, Buck Shelford, which is aimed at encouraging people to protect themselves from the influenza virus by having an annual influenza vaccination.
"You're never too fit to get hit by influenza - it's a highly contagious virus and anyone can catch it," says virologist and NISG spokesperson, Dr Lance Jennings.
Dr Jennings says that immunisation with influenza vaccine, coupled with good hygiene, is still the best way for you to protect yourself from this serious disease.
Immunisation is free for high-risk New Zealanders - people aged 65 and over and those with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke - until June 30, 2006.
You should vaccinate as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available. It takes up to two weeks to develop immunity. Ideally, you should be vaccinated well before the main influenza activity in May to September.
Influenza and 'the Flu' are the same thing. It is a potentially serious viral infection - much worse than a cold. The illness can last for weeks, often confines you to bed and can carry the risk of permanent damage or death.
"The influenza vaccine cannot give you influenza as the vaccine does not contain any live viruses," adds Dr Jennings.
Influenza vaccination can be given to children from six months of age and is recommended for those with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthmatics on preventers, other chronic respiratory disease, and heart disease.
There is currently a risk of an influenza pandemic arising from avian influenza viruses. You cannot yet immunise against avian influenza but you can immunise against seasonal influenza. Being ill with influenza would make you even more vulnerable, should a pandemic strike so vaccination against the seasonal influenza is recommended.
People living with diabetes should call their family doctor or nurse to ask about influenza immunisation.
For further information go to www.influenza.org.nz or www.moh.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.
Published on this website on Thu, 04 Nov 2010