Cairns Covid-19: Increase in hospital cases as free flu jab rollout extended across Far North
The threat of Covid is not over with Cairns Hospital reporting an increase in admissions. It comes as the free influenza vaccine rollout is extended. FIND OUT MORE
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COVID is posing a renewed threat in the Far North with Cairns Hospital reporting an increase in admissions.
It comes as the free influenza vaccine rollout is extended to help tackle flu cases.
Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Richard Gair said flu cases in the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service region peaked in mid-May but had been declining since.
“The number of Covid-19 notifications have been stable over the past month, however, given the decreased levels of testing this is unlikely to reflect the number of cases in the community,” he said.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of people being admitted to hospitals with Covid-19 in our region.”
Dr Gair urged the public to keep getting vaccinated, social distance and use hand sanitiser to protect against both viruses.
On Thursday the state government extended the free vaccine rollout until July 17.
WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods pharmacist Vince Pappalardo said people were rushing in to get the last of the free flu vaccines on Thursday which was the scheduled end date.
“We had an influx of people coming into the pharmacy today (Thursday), but once they made the announcement it slowed down,” he said.
“The rollout so far has been successful and we have plenty of stock across all stores.”
Mr Pappalardo said it was great the government extended the rollout as the demand was there.
“We have been fully booked. We book up one week in advance,” he said.
Mr Pappalardo said it was important people booked quickly for the coming weeks.
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Originally published as Cairns Covid-19: Increase in hospital cases as free flu jab rollout extended across Far North
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