Indigenous
The Australian Government's Immunise Australia program provides free influenza and pneumococcal vaccine through community controlled Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), State/Territory immunisation clinics and general practitioners, for Indigenous people who are:
- Aged over 50; and
- Aged 15 to 49 who are at high risk, according to NHMRC recommendations.
Who is 'at risk'?
Anyone who has heart, lung or kidney problems as well as those who drink more than the recommended level of alcohol, is at risk of developing life threatening complications from influenza (the flu) such as pneumonia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have an increased chance of being hospitalised from these complications if they get influenza, which can mean separation from family and community for an extended time. They also have a 17-28% higher risk of dying from these complications than people of non-Indigenous backgrounds.
How can we protect our people?
Annual influenza immunisation is the best protection available. Because influenza is so easy to spread around, family, health care workers and anyone else who looks after these 'at risk' people should also be immunised. A person’s Indigenous status is not always obvious so it is important that health care providers are made aware so they can make an accurate assessment of their health risks.
Where do we go to get protection against flu?
Free influenza vaccinations are available through community controlled Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), State/Territory immunisation clinics and general practitioners for people in the 'at risk' groups. If you care for someone in this group, talk to your health care provider about getting immunised.
This section of the www.fightflu.gov.au website has been prepared in consultation with Indigenous people and their health care providers. Other sections of this site contain relevant information on the risks and benefits of immunisation including the Fight flu questions section. For further information, ask a doctor.
Useful links
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/atsi
Menzies R, McIntyre P, Beard F. Vaccine preventable diseases and vaccination coverage in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Australia, 1999 to 2002. Commun Dis Intell 2004; 28: 127-159.