Fight back against flu
General practitioners and other health professionals are urged to remind older people of their annual flu shot, as the colder months approach.
Having the flu shot is the “single best way” to stop flu in its tracks.
Federal Minister for Health, Peter Dutton, claimed having the flu shot is the “single best way” to stop flu in its tracks.
Minister Dutton’s comments came as the 2014 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Campaign got underway last week.
The flu and its complications, such as pneumonia, reportedly kill about 2,800 Australians every year, hitting the most vulnerable people, such as the elderly, hardest.
People are reminded that the federal government provides the vaccine free to:
- people aged 65 years and over;
- Indigenous Australians aged 15 years and over;
- people over the age of six months who have a chronic condition, such as heart disease, severe asthma or a chronic lung condition; and
- pregnant women.
This year’s flu vaccine provides protection against the three strains most likely to affect Australians this winter. Of the three strains, two are new, meaning it’s important for people at risk to get vaccinated, even if they have had the vaccination previously.
Flu shots for those ‘at risk’ groups are funded by the federal government through the Immunise Australia Program. Other Australians can speak with their doctor about purchasing the flu vaccine.
“Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible for the free flu shot, and fight back against the flu,” Minister Dutton said.
More information about this year’s flu vaccination is available from your GP or immunisation provider, by visiting the Immunise Australia Program website, or calling the Immunise Australia Information Line on 1800 671 811.
