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Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (human swine flu) – cumulative case numbers in WA
- Total laboratory confirmed cases - 4549
- Total hospitalised cases - 854
- Total cases treated in Intensive Care Units - 82
- Total number of deaths associated with human swine flu - 27
The figures above were current as at 31 October 2009 and are no longer being updated.
Influenza activity in Western Australia has returned to low (baseline) levels following the 2009 winter season.
The Department of Health is continuing to monitor influenza numbers in WA in case there is a resurgence over the warmer months.
Human swine flu vaccine
The human swine flu vaccine (Panvax) is now available to all Western Australians aged 10 years and over.
It is hoped that the vaccine will become available to children aged between 6 months and 9 years later in the year, once information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in younger children is available.
Vaccination is voluntary, but everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated.
People at increased risk of severe illness from influenza and people who care for the sick are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. These people include:
- front line health care and community care workers who have direct contact with patients
- pregnant women
- adults and children aged 10 years and over, who have underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, cancers, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney failure
- people who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) over 35
- Indigenous people, and remote and isolated communities with vulnerable people
- children in special schools aged 10 years and above
- parents and guardians of children aged 0-6 months
For further information, including where to get the vaccine, see vaccination.