Indigenous Australians

 
People with underlying chronic health conditions are at greater risk of severe health outcomes with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. Indigenous Australians, as a group, are known to have higher rates of underlying chronic disease, some of which may be undiagnosed, and are identified as a potential group with greater risk of severe outcomes if they catch this flu.

Get vaccinated against this flu

All Indigenous Australian should get vaccinated against pandemic influenza.

Vaccination will be available through a range of usual immunisation service providers such as primary health care providers at the local Aboriginal Medical Services /Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, community clinic or your general practice.

Remote area health services may hold special clinics. The exact arrangements will vary from place to place.

Where can I get vaccinated?

To check vaccination locations in your State or Territory, talk to your local health service provider or check for your local National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) affiliate.

You can also check with your state or territory health department below:
WA: call 1800 186 815 or visit http://www.health.wa.gov.au/swine_flu/home/
SA: call 1800 022 222 or visit www.flu.sa.gov.au
VIC: call: 1300 882 008 or visit www.humanswineflu.health.vic.gov.au
TAS: 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC) or visit www.pandemic.tas.gov.au
ACT: call 02 6205 2300 or visit www.health.act.gov.au/flupandemic
NSW: visit www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu/vaccination/index.asp, or call 180 2007 for your local Public Health Unit contact
QLD: 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or vist www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/html/vacc.asp
NT: call 08 8922 8044 or visit www.swinefluvax.nt.gov.au

Resources for Health Professionals

As part of the national pandemic response, Australia has developed an Appendix to the PROTECT Annexe; Guidance for primary health care workers providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (PDF 106 KB).

The Appendix, developed in consultation with the Indigenous health sector, includes practical advice regarding management of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection as it affects vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It should be read by all primary health care providers who are likely to provide care to Indigenous Australians whether in remote, regional or urban environments.
Link to health professional’s site