NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard this morning announced that the state's free influenza vaccination program would be extended until 17 Jul, amid concerns that vaccination rates are still not where they should be.
Hazzard cited the latest data showing just 25% of children aged under five had been immunised, while the figures are even lower for those aged five to 15.
"It's really worrying that just over 18% of children and teenagers have had a flu jab," Hazzard said.
"These numbers are particularly concerning given in the last month, four times as many kids have been admitted to Sydney's two children's hospitals with flu than with COVID."
The uptake in adults is equally worrying, with less than 40% of 50 to 65 year olds having had a flu jab, and just 64% of those over 65.
There is particularly low uptake in Sydney's west and south-west, as well as in parts of far Northern NSW and the state's Central West.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant AO said more than 1,000 people had presented to emergency departments with flu-like illness in the last week, with almost 165 so unwell they were admitted.
"Please take advantage of the offer of the free vaccination to protect yourself against the flu this winter...there is plenty of supply and appointments available at GPs and pharmacies," Chant said.
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