If you have breast cancer you’re eligible for a free influenza vaccination and now is the best time to be immunised before the coming season of winter ills sets in.
The annual immunisation can protect you from influenza and the health complications this serious disease can cause when you’re vulnerable due to cancer treatment.
“People with ongoing medical conditions are especially at high risk from influenza complications which can lead to the development of pneumonia, a stay in hospital or even death,” comments Dr Lance Jennings, virologist and National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG) spokesperson.
Dr Jennings says that so far most of the confirmed cases in New Zealand this year have been caused by the A (H1N1) strain, the same strain that caused the 2009 pandemic.
“Although this particular virus can lead to serious complications for younger, previously healthy people, the good news is it is covered by the 2014 vaccine. So we strongly advise people to talk to their doctor or nurse soon to arrange a vaccination.”
The influenza season normally peaks in June/July.
“Many vulnerable people are still unprotected each year and this is a concern as we know how devastating a serious influenza outbreak can be to our at-risk groups, including people with ongoing medical conditions. We never know when a really serious influenza virus may strike and any influenza virus has the potential to be serious for some people,” Dr Jennings says.
Influenza vaccinations are free for New Zealanders from a doctor or nurse until the end of July if you have a long-term health condition, such as cancer.
Dr Jennings says it’s best to be immunised before winter arrives as it can take up to 14 days from vaccination to develop immunity.
“Contrary to a widely-held myth, you cannot get influenza from the vaccine, as it does not contain any live virus. Unfortunately some people may be incubating a common cold or another respiratory virus when vaccinated and then develop respiratory symptoms due to this non-influenza virus.”
The 2014 seasonal influenza vaccines for New Zealand include two new World Health Organization recommended strains based upon the strains most likely to spread and cause illness in people this season. These are not new or novel viruses. The composition is:
- an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus;
- an A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus.
For more information visit www.fightflu.co.nz
