It’s easier than ever to get vaccinated

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit is reminding people that it’s easier than ever to book in your annual flu and COVID vaccinations, and for many people, it’s also free.

Vaccines are free for adults over 65, kids between six months and five years, those with chronic conditions, pregnant women and First Nations people under the National Immunisation Program.

GRPHU Director Alyce Wilson wants to ensure more Gippsland communities are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Dr Wilson said with flu season around the corner, now was the time to book in your flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which can be done at the same time.

“It’s easier than ever to book your vaccine for the flu season, there are many opportunities to protect yourself, you family and community from infections,” Dr Wilson said.

“Talk to your GP, pharmacist, or for those who are pregnant, your midwife.”

The end of April marks World Immunisation Week, a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative that this year is celebrating the theme: Immunisation for all is humanly possible.

WHO figures reveal that in the past 50 years, vaccination has accounted for a 40 per cent improvement in infant survival worldwide.

It means for the first time in human history, more kids are now living to celebrate their first birthday and beyond.

In Australia, anyone over six months can get a flu vaccine, but very young babies can be protected if their mums are immunised while pregnant.

As well as protecting babies from the flu, pregnant people can now get their RSV vaccines for free between 28 and 36 weeks under the National Immunisation Program.

This is to protect bubs under six months who are at increased risk of severe RSV infection.

Dr Wilson said it was important to keep up with your vaccinations in order to stay one-step ahead of the oncoming flu strain.

“We require annual vaccinations because influenza viruses mutate. It means we need to develop a new vaccine every year to target the new virus,” Dr Wilson said.

“It means that last year’s vaccine will not be effective on this year’s virus strain.

“It’s amazing we can learn from flu viruses circulating globally, including in the northern hemisphere and adapt ours in Australia accordingly, it’s a cycle of seasonal information sharing.”

For more info, check out www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/stay-well-this-winter