AUCKLAND, New Zealand, May 28 (Xinhua) -- An adult and a child have died in Auckland as a result of influenza about a month into the flu season, reported New Zealand media on Tuesday.
Counties Manukau Health confirmed to local media New Zealand Herald that a 12-year-old and a 62-year-old had both died this season from influenza.
Immunisation Advisory Centre director Dr Nikki Turner said the important message is to stop the spread of flu across the community, not individually. Turner advised vaccination for people with higher risks.
"There are some people of way higher risk, people with other medical conditions, very young children or the elderly. Obviously, vaccination is one way to stop the spread and the second thing is when you're sick to stay away from people and stay away from babies," said Turner.
According to the Ministry of Health's Immunisation Handbook 2017, children shed more viruses and remain infectious longer than adults.
It is reported that influenza was killing about 500 New Zealanders each year following research from University of Otago scientists.
New Zealand government provide free vaccination program for those who are at higher risks of flu, including pregnant women, elderly people over 65 and vulnerable children with respiratory illnesses.
