Individuals residing with diabetes in rural and distant areas are being urged to get their flu shot now after low charges of flu vaccinations have put communities in danger throughout Australia this yr.
Information has proven that just about 1.8 million much less individuals throughout the nation have had their flu jab this yr in comparison with the 11 million individuals recorded in 2022.
Extra Queenslanders have been notified they’ve the flu this yr than different Australians with 1,262 notifications per 100,000 individuals. Individuals residing in New South Wales recorded the following highest charges with 1,086 per 100,000.
“There are nonetheless flu vaccines obtainable,” Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain stated. “Australians residing with diabetes who haven’t had their flu photographs this yr and people residing in rural and distant areas, which historically have decrease flu vaccination charges, can fight the lingering flu season and keep away from getting the virus this spring and summer time with this easy precaution.
“It’s not too late to vaccinate, and the flu vaccine is free for individuals residing with diabetes.”
Ms Cain stated individuals with diabetes are 3 times extra more likely to be hospitalised with influenza.
“This is the reason we’re strongly encouraging individuals with diabetes to get the flu vaccine,” she stated.
“Along with critical sickness and hospitalisation, the flu could make it a lot tougher to handle diabetes.
“It may be tougher to detect adjustments in blood glucose ranges and in addition to eat, drink and take remedy when you’ve got the flu.”
The influenza vaccine is free beneath the Nationwide Immunisation Program for:
- Individuals aged six months or over who’ve medical situation, together with diabetes.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals aged six months and over
- Youngsters aged six months to beneath 5 years
- Pregnant girls at any stage of being pregnant
- Individuals aged 65 years or over.
