The Health Directorate has launched its 2021 flu vaccination campaign, encouraging Canberrans to book their flu shot while planning for their COVID-19 vaccination.
Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said Canberrans needed to plan their flu shots more carefully this year to allow enough time between it and the COVID-19 vaccination.
“While there has been a strong focus on the COVID-19 vaccination in recent months, the influenza vaccine is still very important and the best defence against the flu,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection and can cause very serious illness; to better protect you and your family from the flu, it is important to be vaccinated every year,” she said.
“We all need to do our bit to limit its spread through our community.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said most Canberrans would need at least three vaccine doses this year, one for flu and two for COVID-19.
She said the flu vaccine needed to be given at least 14 days before or after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
“People who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should get this done first and follow up with a flu shot at least two weeks after,” she said.
“People who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should get their flu shot now so they are well protected before the influenza season begins.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said people who were at higher risk of catching the flu and developing complications were eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.
Further information on the flu vaccine, including who was eligible for a free vaccine, can be accessed at this PS News link.
