Horsham Rural City Council children aged between six months and under five years can get free flu shots starting next month.
Manager Community Services and Safety Mandi Stewart said the Health Department recommended people aged six months and over get the annual vaccination, unless there was a medical reason not to.
“Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications,” Ms Stewart said.
“While everyone has been focussed on COVID-19 vaccines in recent months, the influenza vaccine is just as important.
“We strongly recommend people get the shot to keep your families safe. It’s not mandatory but is available for those who want it,” she said.
The Australian Government supplies seasonal influenza vaccines through the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Immunisation Program (NIP) for people most at risk.
Due to their increased risk of complications from the flu, the following groups can get flu shots for free.
- All children aged six months to less than five years
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
- Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
- All people aged 65 years and over
- People aged six months and over with medical conditions which increase the risk of flu complications.
Children who have not received a flu vaccination before will require a booster dose 28 days later or after.
WHEN AND WHERE:
- Thursday 19 May, 1pm-5pm:
- Friday 27 May, 9am-12pm:
- Thursday 23 June, 1pm-5pm:
- Friday 24 June, 9am-12pm:
- Thursday 28 July, 1pm-5pm:
- Friday 29 July, 9am-12pm:
Preventative measures and infection control will be in place at the immunisation sessions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when conducting immunisations.
People should not attend if they have fever, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath of a cough, or have returned from overseas in the past 14 days.
The vaccine offers its best protection within three to four months after receiving the shot. Getting it now should give the highest level of protection during peak flu season from June to September.
