With the flu season now underway, the Department of Health and Aged Care is urging people across the country to protect themselves and their loved ones by becoming vaccinated.
Issuing the healthy reminder, the Department said the annual influenza vaccine was recommended for everyone aged six months and over.
“After a resurgence of influenza in 2022, seasonal influenza is expected to continue in 2023 so it is important to get vaccinated,” the Department said.
“This protects both you and those around you,” it said.
“Even healthy people can get very sick from influenza.”
The Department said influenza vaccines were free under the National Immunisation Program for people who were at higher risk of complications from influenza, including children aged six months to less than five years; pregnant women; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over; people aged 65 years and over; and people aged six months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of severe influenza and its complications.
It said the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines could be safely given during 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,” it said.
“When you book in for your influenza vaccination, talk to your vaccination provider about whether they can administer both vaccines.”
Further information on influenza vaccines can be accessed at this PS News link.
