NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant urged people to get vaccinated against influenza starting today.

Chant said Sunday that it is now the best time to get vaccinated while influenza cases are low.

We are starting to see cases presenting to hospital and with the beginning of flu activity, (we) expect it to escalate in the coming weeks, Chant said in a statement issued by NSW Health.

Chant particularly urged women to get vaccinated as they are more vulnerable to the disease.

Women in this category can also help protect their baby by being vaccinated and by encouraging people who will be helping to care for their baby to be vaccinated, Sky News quoted Chant as saying.

Also urged to get vaccinated are high risk groups such as indigenous people, the obese, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Children under age 5 were not recommended for vaccination.

Medicine