A program that ensures that groups of people not funded for immunisation against influenza and therefore might miss out, is to be expanded under new arrangements announced by the Minister for Health.
According to the Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) is to be expanded to include people experiencing homelessness and residents in congregate (shared) living settings such as disability care, mental health hostels and youth group housing.
“Influenza can take a considerable toll, especially on our more vulnerable members of the community,” Ms Sanderson said.
“Western Australia has been relatively protected from the flu over the past two years, but health authorities are predicting higher case numbers this year.”
She said that with that knowledge, the Government was expanding its influenza immunisation program to ensure every vulnerable Western Australian has access to a free flu shot.
Ms Sanderson said people at a higher risk of serious complications from influenza are also eligible under the NIP to receive their free influenza vaccine.
She said those groups include: Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy); Children aged six months to less than five years; Primary school-aged children (pre-primary to Year 6); People 65 years and older; Aboriginal people six months and older; and People six months and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of severe influenza.
“All immunisation providers across the State will be able to access Government-funded influenza vaccines for these groups,” the Minister said.
“The influenza vaccine is available from immunisation services, including general practice, community immunisation clinics, Aboriginal medical services and community pharmacies,” she said.
She also said an administrative fee may be charged to people choosing to be vaccinated at a GP or pharmacy.
More information on the flu vaccination can be accessed at this PS News link.
