The National Influenza Strategy Group has launched annual influenza vaccination campaign this Tuesday.

Miss Bonnie Leung, the face of vaccination campaign who survived deadly swine flu last year, has advised people to get themselves vaccinated. The people at risk of getting infected are still averse of getting vaccinated.

Miss Bonnie Leung, 22, Auckland University Medical student, was admitted to intensive care unit at Middlemore Hospital last year when she got affected by swine flu. The flu virus has caused pneumonia in both her lungs and she has to undergo induced coma for two weeks.

Even after a year, she is suffering with post-effects and still not as healthy as she was before illness.

Dr. Nikki Turner, Strategy Group’s Clinical Spokeswoman, stated that even though most people get mildly affected by flu virus, it can still cause serious complications and death. She further added that it’s necessary for people to get vaccinated before the onset of winters as it could take nearly two weeks to develop immunity.

The 2011 seasonal influenza vaccines available at surgeries are protective against three types of flue, including swine flu, and according to Strategy Group Chairman Michelle Kapinga, vaccines will be available at subsidized rates till July-end.

The flu vaccine is available at cost of $20-$25 at health centers and is state funded for senior citizens of age 65 or more, and for pregnant women or people with various chronic health conditions.