Gosford High School

An update on vaccination against Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza (swine flu).

Swine flu activity has dropped significantly in NSW over recent months, but continues to have a heavy impact in many Northern Hemisphere countries. It remains to be seen what the impact in Australia will be as we move into next winter, although a resurgence of pandemic influenza activity is possible.

A vaccine is now available to protect adults and children over the age of six months from swine flu. The vaccine, called Panvax®, has been approved by Therapeutic Goods Administration.

NSW Health is encouraging everyone to obtain a free vaccination against this potentially life threatening illness. The Panvax® vaccine is available free from most general practitioners and Aboriginal Medical Services. Some community health centres and council immunisation clinics are also offering the vaccine free of charge. Call ahead to confirm the health service is vaccinating on the day you wish to visit.

The NSW Department of Education and Training is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working and learning environment for staff, students and visitors to schools. It is important that information about the availability of Panvax® continues to go out to schools and the broader community. Immunising a high percentage of the school not only protects those individuals who receive the vaccine, but also reduces the chance that any students or staff with a weakened immune system (for whom the vaccine may not work as effectively) will be exposed to the infection.

Further information can be obtained from NSW Health at http://www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu/vaccination/index.asp