Tasmanians are being urged to take action now to protect themselves and others from severe illness this winter by getting vaccinated, wearing masks when necessary and staying home when unwell, as common respiratory infections increase across the state.

The flu season has now arrived and there have also been recent increases in COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory pathogens in the Tasmanian community.

Public Health Specialist Medical Advisor Dr Shannon Melody provided advice regarding staying healthy over winter.

“Respiratory infections like flu, COVID-19 and RSV can be serious, causing hospitalisation and even death,” said Dr Melody.

“Vaccination is a simple, safe and effective way to protect you and your family this winter. Vaccination boosts your immunity and protects against severe illness.

“This is especially important for those at higher risk, including older adults and those living with medical conditions or risk factors.

“It is not too late to get vaccinated. Please book in today to speak to your immunisation provider about what’s recommended for you and get up to date with all recommended vaccines relevant to your age and health. You can receive multiple vaccines in the same appointment.

“Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are available through most general practices and community pharmacies.

“While vaccination is the best protection, it also remains important that Tasmanians keep up the simple behaviours that reduce the risk of catching and spreading infections.”

These practices include staying home if are unwell, using effective N95 masks, regularly washing or sanitising your hands and covering your coughs and sneezes.

Executive Director of Home and Community Care Services Laura Pyszkowski encouraged Tasmanians to make a plan for what to do if they become unwell and know the treatment options available in the community.

“If you are more vulnerable to severe respiratory illness, make a plan now with your doctor for how you will access testing and antiviral medication if you become unwell”, said Pyszkowski.

“Crucially, I also want all Tasmanians at higher risk from respiratory infections to be aware that our virtual care service Care@home is available to support you in the comfort of your own home.

“We have a team of expert health professionals just a phone call away available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to monitor patients and arrange necessary care and support. Tasmanians can self-refer by calling 1800 973 363.

“In addition to Care@home, Tasmanians should familiarise themselves with the range of other treatment options available when it’s not an emergency. This includes contacting Healthdirect for health advice if you’re not sure what to do or considering visiting a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic or community pharmacy.”

Stay up to date with your vaccinations this winter with:

·   Annual flu vaccine – everyone aged six months and older is recommended to get the annual flu vaccine. This is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of serious illness, including young children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those living with specific medical conditions.

·   COVID-19 vaccine – all adults are eligible for a booster at least every 12 months, and older adults or those with severe immunocompromise every six months. COVID-19 vaccines are free.

·   RSV vaccine – free RSV vaccines are now available during pregnancy from 28 to 36 weeks. An RSV immunisation product is available for some infants during the RSV season, including those whose mothers did not receive RSV vaccination during pregnancy. RSV vaccination is also available privately for eligible adults aged 60 years and older.

·   Whooping cough vaccine – the whooping cough vaccine is free and recommended in each pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

For more information, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/winter-wellness

Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse view of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.

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