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You are never too old to be vaccinated

October is Immunisation Month and Latrobe City Council is advising citizens over the age of 65 to be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease and influenza.

By Latrobe City Council - 4th October 2006 - Back to News

Council’s manager health services Andrew Mackintosh said that pneumococcal disease primarily caused pneumonia, middle ear infections, bloodstream infections and meningitis.

"Adults over 65 years of age have an impaired immune system which makes them more susceptible to these potentially life-threatening diseases. It is estimated that pnuemococcal disease kills around one million people worldwide every year.

"Illness from pneumococcal disease can be prevented through vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccinations are provided free and recommended at 65 years of age with a booster dose after 5 years," Mr Mackintosh explained.

Mr Mackintosh also explained that Influenza infection occurs every year in the community.

"Influenza is caused by a highly contagious virus, which is spread by coughs and sneezes. Again the elderly are targeted by the National Immunisation Program to receive annual free influenza vaccinations.

"The strains of influenza contained in the vaccine change annually according to which ones are of the most threat. This is why the vaccine is given each year, as it will generally provide protection against different strains of the virus," Mr Mackintosh said.

These vaccines are available free of charge through medical clinics and the Latrobe City Council’s immunisation program. Many medical clinics offer sessions throughout autumn solely for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for the elderly.

Further information can be sought by contacting your medical clinic or Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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