Older people urged to book flu jab

The winter flu season has yet to peak, making up-to-date vaccines imperative, according to the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC).

In particular, Australians with asthma and allergies should consider getting vaccinations for conditions that affect the respiratory tract.

The NAC also released a winter checklist that covers key information for the one in nine Australians living with asthma, including important updates on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and vaccinations.

Dr Joel Ten, a GP and National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, said between 60 and 70% of asthma attacks are due to viral infections such as the common cold or influenza.

“People who have asthma and allergies tend to be hit hard from viral infections, so it is important to get vaccines as soon as you can and don’t think it is too late as winter has started,” he said.

Ten said that the asthma winter checklist has important updates for at-risk groups including children with asthma, as well as people aged over 60 years with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are also particularly vulnerable to RSV.

“Adults over 60 years of age have higher rates of serious complications with RSV infection and the National Asthma Council Australia encourages people with asthma aged over 60 years to chat to their GP about the newly approved RSV vaccine that is now available on private script.

“Vaccinations are also recommended to minimise the impacts of other respiratory illnesses that can exacerbate asthma such as pneumonia, whooping cough and COVID-19,” he said.

Image credit: iStock.com/fstop123