MARRABOOR pharmacist Jarred Kiel is encouraging the community to get their flu vaccine in preparation for winter, especially as COVID-19 remains a risk.
“The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to vaccinate against both the flu and COVID-19,” he said.
“Especially as there was virtually no flu last year, and now it’s opening up it is likely to be a bit worse.”
Both influenza and COVID-19 can cause serious respiratory illnesses.
Like COVID-19, the flu can be mild in some and in others, a serious illness and even fatal.
The influenza vaccine also changes yearly to adapt to the most common strain of the virus making it important to get the vaccine annually.
Mr Kiel said there is an option for the public to privately purchase vaccinations, but through the National Immunisation Program those at higher risk could access the jabs at a reduced cost.
“Those over 65 are at a higher risk so vaccination is the best way to avoid a bad outcome,” he said.
Marraboor staff can vaccinate 10 year-olds and up, with the key vaccinating season from April to May.
Mr Kiel said that even if patients do not manage to get into the clinic by then, it is still important to get vaccinated as flu can continue year round.
Vaccination not only protects the individual but the broader community, especially more vulnerable members.
Book online at marraboor.com.au/flu-vaccination or by calling 5032 2192.
The following people are eligible to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine at a reduced cost, with only those 10 or older able to access the vaccine at Marraboor:
– People aged six months to less than five years
– Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
– Pregnant women
– People aged 65 and older
– People aged six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications: cardiac disease, chronic respiratory conditions, chronic neurological conditions, immunocomprimising conditions, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, renal disease, haematological disorders, children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
