Now that we are in the recovery phase of our recent natural disaster, Hunter New England Health is reminding the Hunter community of the importance of immunisation against serious diseases.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said that in the wake of the storms that swept across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, it’s important for people to remember to keep their immunisation up to date.

"With people focussing their attention on recovering from the storms, it’s easy to overlook protection that we often take for granted," Dr Durrheim said.

"Immunisation programs play a critical role in protecting individuals and the broader community against serious diseases that can be passed from person to person.

"Now that we are well into the recovery phase of our local crisis, I urge people to review their immunisation status and remember that prevention is better than cure."

Infants and children continue to be at risk from serious diseases if they are not immunised on time. Parents should contact their family doctor (GP) or free immunisation clinic to have their children immunised.

Due to power interruptions during the recent storms, some GPs have ordered new supplies of vaccines, but these will be delivered within two to three days.

The storms have had minimal impact on the school-based immunisation program for Year 10, 11 and 12 students. The program is continuing as usual, with only a small number of changes to the timetable due to the temporary closure of some schools. Parents are asked to contact their child’s school for the date of the next visit by the immunisation team.

Dr Durrheim said young parents and close contacts of newborn infants need to be aware that pertussis, which is commonly known as whooping cough, can be a real threat to their baby’s health, particularly during the winter months.

"A simple jab for parents and other adolescents and adult family members and friends, with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine Boostrix will protect your baby from a serious and sometimes life-threatening illness," Dr Durrheim said.

 Dr Durrheim said the elderly and frail should not be forgotten where immunisation is concerned.

"Again, prevention is better than cure," Dr Durrheim said.

"I strongly encourage anyone over 65 years of age to talk to their doctor about being immunised against influenza - it’s still not too late to receive this year’s shot."

Please contact Hunter New England Population Health on 4924 6477 if you require information that is not available from your GP or school.