After dramatic rise in cases, NSW to give free flu jabs
More than eight million residents in New South Wales can get a free flu jab from June 1, after cases in the state jumped sharply last week.
The mass vaccination blitz follows warnings from the NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard the state is heading for a "horror" influenza season this winter.
In an effort to combat the expected ramping up of cases, the NSW government will fund free flu vaccinations at GPs and pharmacies until June 30.
Scientists in an Australian laboratory work with flu vaccines. The Age / Dominic O'Brien
READ MORE: Icy polar blast to sweep Australia as winter looms
There were 1140 cases of respiratory illness last week, Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said, compared with 766 the previous week.
Confirmed cases are widely viewed as an under-estimation of reality, because most people do not report.
"The virus is easily spread and potentially deadly," Chant said.
She said the elderly, aged-care residents, anyone immunocompromised and children aged six months to five years are "high-risk".
READ MORE: Police reveal two key theories behind Aussie mum's shock disappearance in Mexico
A lab technician works with cultures of the influenza virus. The Age / Melanie Faith Dove
READ MORE: Flu strain circulating now may have very sinister origins
Because of the amplified threat, NSW Health has lowered the age limit for children getting the flu jab at pharmacies down to five.
Prior to this season, pharmacies in NSW could only vaccinate 10 year olds.
Chant said this rule change would allow more families to be vaccinated together.
Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia have already rolled out free flu jab initiatives.
READ MORE: Football fans filmed brawling following AFL game in Melbourne
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
