HEALTH authorities are urging us to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated before winter flu season arrives.
Ahead of an expected spike in flu and respiratory virus cases, Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said people should take action to protect themselves and their families.
Alarming data had shown that only one in ten children were vaccinated against the flu as of late April.
“While flu can be mild in some people, in others it can cause a very serious illness – so protect yourself and your loved ones by rolling up your arm for your flu vaccination,” Ms Thomas said.
“Children are at a much higher risk of serious illness due to flu, and with so few vaccinated I want to encourage all parents to protect your children this winter.”
“Stay well this winter – get vaccinated against flu and COVID, and stay at home if you’re sick,” Ms Thomas said.
Following a resurgence in 2022, seasonal flu activity is expected to continue to rise in 2023 – and the last fortnight has seen an increase in notified flu cases, with of cases in children aged from 5-14 increasing by 115 per cent – highlighting just how important vaccination is for children.
Flu vaccination is free for vulnerable people under the National Immunisation Program.
This includes children aged six months to under five years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months of age and older, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe flu and its complications.
Vaccination is available through local providers – including GPs, pharmacy, local council immunisation clinic, Aboriginal Health Service or community health centre.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be administered on the same day, as they target different viruses
Local Pharmacist Zoe Lazarou said that it’s not too late to get vaccinated and it was important to protect yourself and the community.
