Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) is renewing the call for parents and carers to vaccinate their children against the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in preparation for a potentially severe influenza season this year.

GSAHS vaccination co-ordinator Alison Nikitas said it was likely Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 would remain the predominant influenza strain in 2010.

“During 2009 children in the zero to four age group had the highest rate of hospitalisation from H1N1 with 269 cases being admitted to hospital in NSW – over 21 per cent of all H1N1-related admissions,” Ms Nikitas said.

“The vaccine was approved for children aged six months to ten years in early December 2009. With many children now beginning or returning to daycare, preschool or primary school, it is the perfect time for parents to get their families vaccinated.”

Locally the vaccination is available from the Darlington Point and Coleambally Medical Centres. Please phone 6968 4444 in Darlington Point or 6954 4154 in Coleambally for an appointment.