SWAN Hill and district residents will be able to get free flu shots throughout June.
Cases of flu in Victoria have increased by more than 30 per cent in the past week alone from 10,000 to 15,000, after two years of COVID-19 and reduced international travel led to limited immunity to the common winter virus.
More than 3000 GP clinics and community pharmacies across Victoria will be invited to offer free flu vaccinations as part of a $33 million Victorian Government package.
The flu vaccination is already free for eligible groups including children under five years, people over 65 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with increased risk medical conditions.
The government will reimburse GPs and community pharmacies for flu vaccines that are administered to any
Victorians that are not usually eligible for free flu shots – so that immunisation providers can continue to use vaccine that they have already purchased.
This will mean all Victorians aged six months and over will be eligible for the free flu shot between June 1 and 30 to help boost vaccination coverage as much as possible and avoid more hospitalisations throughout winter.
Flu vaccines have already been made available to children aged five years and over from their community pharmacy, taking pressure off GPs and keeping children safe and out of hospital this winter.
As part of the push, the government is also offering $2000 grants to immunisation providers to help them manage the additional demand – such as rostering on more staff and opening for longer hours.
There is no interval required between receiving a COVID-19 and flu vaccine.
Residents have been encouraged to contact their local GP or community pharmacy from Wednesday to book their free vaccine.
Anyone with cold and flu symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 and remain at home until their symptoms have resolved – regardless of whether it turns out to be COVID-19 or flu.
People who test positive for COVID-19 must still isolate for seven days from the date of their result.
Meanwhile, flu vaccines are now available at Swan Hill Rural City Council’s immunisation sessions and special flu sessions.
Council’s acting public health and regulatory services co-ordinator Darren Rovere is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against the flu this year.
“Council has a large number of flu vaccines available and bookings are now available for both morning and evening sessions” Mr Rovere said.
Bookings are essential for all council immunisation sessions, including the influenza sessions. All sessions are held at the Swan Hill Town Hall.
