After a horror start to 2019 with an unseasonal spike in influenza activity, you might be wondering if you should get the flu jab early or wait until the government supply kicks in.
While the traditional flu season hasn’t started yet, there has already been a record number of confirmed flu cases this summer around the country.
“We have twice as high the incidence in the first part of this year compared to last year,” head of the clinical research team at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), Professor Robert Booy, said.
Professor Booy told The New Daily that vaccination timing is important and depended on an individual’s health status.
Pregnant women, who can access the free vaccine during any trimester, should get the jab as soon as possible.
“People over 65 should wait for the free vaccine in a few weeks, and they should be making an appointment with their health provider now. People with a chronic condition should also wait for the free vaccine in a few weeks,” he said.