AS temperatures decline and winter looms, cold and flu season ramps up; with the New South Wales Government launching its official winter vaccine campaign this week to combat predicted “higher flu activity.”
The campaign comes as 17 measles cases have been recorded in NSW this year, which is well above 2024’s total of 18 cases.
A vaccine exists for the disease, the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which the government is urging the public to ensure they have had both shots of.
Far West Local Health District have had no reported measles cases.
NSW Government Health Minister Ryan Park, alongside Acting Premier Prue Car, released a statement this week encouraging young and old people to get vaccinated.
The statement said that international trends indicate the potential of a bad influenza season.
Mr Park said respiratory viruses are expected to rise.
“We are expecting higher flu activity this season,” he said.
“The best way to protect your loved ones is to get vaccinated.”
The flu vaccine can be accessed at pharmacies or GP clinics, and is free for children aged six months to less than five years, people aged 65 years and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older, and pregnant women.
