The Department of Health says it is still not too late to be vaccinated against influenza.
A statement from the Department stressed that influenza can be a very serious disease and people can be infected at any time of the year.
“It’s important to get vaccinated every year, as the vaccines can change from year to year, when new strains of the virus appear,” the Department said.
“Influenza vaccines are available through the National Immunisation Program from GPs, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services and other immunisation providers.”
It said influenza vaccines were free for children aged six months to under five years; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged six months and over; and people aged six months and over with certain medical conditions that increased their chance of severe influenza and its complications.
Vaccines were also provided free to pregnant women at any stage during pregnancy and people aged 65 years or over.
“If you are not eligible for a free influenza vaccine, you can still get the vaccine from your GP (with a private prescription), a pharmacy immunisation clinic, or another immunisation provider,” the Department said.
Noting that people might need to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department urged them to check for the most up-to-date advice for their local area to find out what restrictions were in place.
“No matter where you live, you should not leave your home to get your influenza vaccine if you have COVID-19 or are a suspected case of COVID-19,” it said.
