Vaccination against influenza (flu) remains important this year. Vulnerable Australians are being urged to get their free vaccination against seasonal influenza under the National Immunisation Program.

The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over. It is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications.

Receiving the vaccine from April allows protection from the flu to develop well ahead of peak transmission period, which usually falls around July and August.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the flu being highly contagious, all Australian’s should be vaccinated each year as circulating virus strains change.

“On average, flu cases estimate 3,500 deaths in Australia each year. With 14,262 vulnerable aged pensioners in Bonner, the best protection is to be vaccinated against it,” Mr Vasta said.

“I recently received my vaccine from Michael at Healthyworld Pharmacy in Garden City and will continue to take these necessary precautions annually.”

“Although it doesn’t protect from Covid-19, every one of us has a responsibility to help slow its spread as well as stopping the spread of influenza by practicing good hygiene, social distancing, understanding when to self-isolate and following the Government’s directions on guidelines in public places and workplaces.”

The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to those most at risk, including:

• Pregnant women
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People aged six months and older
• People aged 65 years and older
• People aged six months and older with certain medical risk factors and;
• All children aged between six months and five years.

More information on the flu is available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/influenza-flu-immunisation-service

The latest official coronavirus news, updates and advice from the Australian Government is available at: https://www.australia.gov.au/

Media contact – Kaylah Bulow – 0402 845 576