Fed: At-risk falling behind on flu vaccinations

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2004
Fed: At-risk falling behind on flu vaccinations

Three quarters of younger Australians who are at risk of complications from influenza
ignore medical warnings to be vaccinated.

A Newspoll survey commissioned by the World Health Organisation has found one in five
people aged 18 to 64 are at risk of serious complications from influenza -- but only one-quarter
of them have been vaccinated.

The WHO's ALAN HAMPSON says the Influenza Specialist Group survey shows young Australians
are needlessly putting their health at risk.

People at the most risk of severe complications from influenza include those with heart
conditions, severe asthma and other lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease and those
with weakened immune systems.

AAP RTV kbw/rgr/rp

KEYWORD: FLU (SYDNEY)

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