Wollongong MP, Paul Scully is urging the region’s elderly and chronically ill to take advantage of free flu shots in the lead up to the winter season.
Free flu shots are available to specific “high-risk” groups from their local GPs as part of the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination 2017 program, which kicked off this month (April).
The free flu shots are available to:
- People aged 65 years and over;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders between six months to five years – and over 15;
- Pregnant women;
- People aged six months and over with medical conditions, including:
- Cardiac disease;
- Chronic respiratory conditions including severe asthma;
- Other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes, and chronic renal failure;
- Chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders; and
- Impaired immunity, including HIV.
This season’s influenza 2017 vaccine is now available and health authorities are urging everyone to get vaccinated to reduce the spread in the community and to cut sick rates at work.
However, if you are not in the relevant free groups, and are over the age of 18 then you can purchase a flu shot from your GP or from an approved trained pharmacy in NSW. Prices in NSW range between $10-$20.
Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP:
“I’m urging all of our elderly and chronically ill to consider taking up the opportunity of getting a free flu shot in the lead-up to the winter season.
“Health authorities are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated under the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination 2017 Program, which has kicked off this month.
“People who are not considered in the “high risk” category can purchase the flu shot for a modest fee from their local GP or approved pharmacy.
“This is an easy preventive measure that all should take advantage of, and especially if you’re elderly or suffer chronic health conditions, to prevent the onslaught of a bad winter flu.”
