Winter is coming and local residents are being encouraged to get the flu shot to protect themselves against the dreaded sore throat and sniffily nose.
“As the weather cools, instances of the flu rise. Getting the flu shot now will better protect you and your family in the winter months,” Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said.
The 2017 flu vaccines are now available in local general practices and pharmacies – and are free of charge to those most at risk of getting sick this flu season.
“Under the National Immunisation Program, those people aged 65 and over, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those who suffer from chronic conditions are eligible for a free flu shot,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Pregnant women are also eligible for a free flu shot, it’s safe at any stage of pregnancy and protects not only Mum, but baby too.”
Health professionals advise that is important to get the flu shot every year, as the virus changes year to year.
The flu shot this year will cover two A strains of influenza (Michigan and Hong Kong) and two B strains of influenza (Brisbane and Phuket).
“I urge locals to consider getting the jab to fight the flu this winter,” Mr Buchholz said.
For more information visit the Immunise Australia website at: www.immunise.health.gov.au.
