It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine for 2023. Cases are increasing the moment and have not yet peaked. Notifications are highest amongst children, as reported in the media. As school goes back next week this is time when kids will be more at risk of acquiring influenza.
Anyone aged 6 months and over can receive an influenza vaccine, that offers some protection against four strains of Flu. Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalisation, and in many people will result in at least a full week unwell at home. Prevention includes all of the strategies we have used to reduce risk of COVID, and flu vaccines add about 50% effectivness in reducing the risk of influenza and serious illness.
A free vaccine is available to people at highest risk of severe illness, including all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age, people with serious health conditions, pregnant women and those aged 65 years and over.
Note that children are likely to be much more unwell with influenza than they are with COVID. Kids can have a flu vaccine on the same day as their scheduled childhood vaccines.
All other people, aged 5 to 64 years can receive a Private Flu vaccine for the cost of $25.00. Pharmacies also have flu vaccines available.
If you are attending an appointment with your GP, you can ask for them to administer a fluvax during that appointment if time permits. You can also book a flu vaccine appointment with the nurse. If you are eligible for a COVID vaccine (6 months since last vaccine OR last COVID illness) and we have stock it can be administered at the same time.
More information about the Flu vaccination can be found on the NSW Health website and NCIRS.