Seasonal influenza vaccines are now available through community pharmacies and GPs around the country, with a record supply to ensure everyone has access to the vaccine.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said more than 9.4 million doses of flu vaccine would be available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and State and Territory Government programs this year, with a total of more than 20 million doses to be available nationally, up from 17.6 million last year.
“It is important to get the flu jab from now to ensure you are protected at the peak of the season which is usually between July and September,” Mr Hunt said.
“If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to call your GP, community pharmacy or other vaccination provider and organise your flu shot,” he said.
“Whilst there have been record low cases of flu this year in Australia the timing, severity and length of the flu season varies year to year and it is not yet clear how hard influenza will hit Australians this year.”
Mr Hunt said the flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines protected against different viruses, both of which were potentially serious.
The Minister said medical advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) was that people should avoid having the flu and COVID-19 shots too close together.
“If you are due for the COVID-19 vaccine, or have just had one, make sure you leave two weeks between the vaccines,” he said.
Mr Hunt said children under five, the elderly and people considered at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu could receive their flu vaccines free of charge through the NIP.
Further information on the flu vaccination can be accessed at this PS News link.
