News

Influenza Vaccine 2021 Now Available

April 9, 2021

The 2021 Influenza Vaccines have arrived. We are running a Flu Vaccine Clinic (alongside our Covid 19 Vaccine clinic) and you can book online via our Practice Nurses (Alexandria Pritchard, Victoria Wrights and Sofia Fairbrother) or call 42844 622. You can also book-in or request your vaccine when you next see your regular GP.

Vaccine Protection

Influenza vaccines remain important this year. While the spread of flu was minimised last year due to social distancing and other Covid-safe practices, these restrictions have recently relaxed. With the relaxed restrictions, it is anticipated that flu viruses may begin to recirculate in 2021.

Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause widespread illness and deaths every year. Vaccination is our best defence against flu viruses.

Optimal protection against influenza occurs within the first three to four months post vaccination. Have your flu shot now to protect you for the winter flu season which typically peaks in August.

Flu Vaccination and Covid-19 Vaccination

If you are having both vaccines, we recommend a two week gap between them. People aged between 50 and 69 years should get their Flu Vaccine now, in anticipation of receiving their Covid 19 Vaccine in May as part of Phase 2A of the National roll-out.

Eligibility for Free Vaccine

NOTE: For patients not eligible for the free vaccine, there is still the option to have the vaccine and pay privately.
Under the National Immunisation Program, free influenza vaccinations are provided to the following groups who are at higher risk of complications from flu:
  • children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
  • all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  • people aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of severe influenza and its complications
  • pregnant women (at any stage during pregnancy)
  • people aged 65 years and over.