Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that can spread quickly and cause widespread illness and deaths every year.
This year the liklihood of catching the flu virus is higher than it has been recently. This is because people have been less exposed to the virus and the uptake of influenza (flu) vaccines in 2021 was low.
Now that international borders are reopening, we will see more influenza (flu) in 2022. So we need to make sure we get our flu jabs.
Who should get an the influenza (flu) jab?
Vaccination experts say that influenza vaccines are for ALL people aged 6 months and over. Under the National Immunisation Program, free influenza (flu) vaccines are available to people who are at higher risk of complications from influenza. People such as:
• children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
• all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• people aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of severe influenza and its complications
• pregnant women (at any stage during pregnancy)
• people aged 65 years and over.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination
The influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines can be safely given at the same visit. The best way to protect yourself against getting both infections this winter is to make sure you’ve had your influenza vaccine and are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any recommended booster doses.
When you book in to get your influenza (flu) vaccine, talk to your health adviser on whether they can give you both vaccines at the same time.
**Call Nunkuwarrin Yunti on 8406-1600 to make an appointment.
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