The number of flu cases for the 2019 season has been mounting nationally with more than 120,000 laboratory confirmed cases and 228 people killed. Additionally one of the flu strains has mutated, according to World Health Organisation Influenza Centre spokeswoman Professor Kanta Subbarao. Despite this health experts are reminding the public to be vaccinated and that it is not too late to be protected this winter.
The death of a toddler from meningococcal meningitis in the Hunter New England area last week brings the regions total death toll to 4 cases this year, according to New South Wales Health. It is not yet known what strain was responsible. The National Immunisation program offers protection to infants by providing free vaccines for meningococcal strains A, W and Y, in addition to meningococcal C that has been offered since 2003, as well as older high school students since 2017 in response to an increase in cases of meningococcal W in recent years.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.