As notifications of respiratory viruses rise across the state, COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN is joining with the Illawarra Shoalhaven and Southern NSW local health districts to urge communities to stay up to date with vaccinations to protect themselves and others in their communities.
The latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report indicates influenza activity is at a high level, COVID-19 transmission remains moderate, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to circulate at a high level.
COORDINARE’s Illawarra Shoalhaven Medical Director, Dr Katherine Michelmore said, “The latest data shows more than 8,495 people were diagnosed with influenza across NSW in the week ending 5 July.
“Influenza can be serious in healthy people of any age, but some people are at greater risk of complications, especially children under five, pregnant women and adults 65 years and older,” she said.
“Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease. The influenza vaccine takes about two weeks to boost your immune system and will provide maximum protection for around three to four months,” said Dr Michelmore.
