Protect yourself and others this winter

Protect yourself and others this winter

As the colder months approach, Victorians are being reminded to book in their annual flu vaccination ahead of winter peak season, with free flu vaccines now available for children under five years old and other at-risk groups.

Director of the Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Professor Eugene Athan OAM said the best way to prevent serious illness from flu is to get vaccinated,

“Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications.”

“Getting vaccinated against the flu is the best way to protect yourself and your family from what can be a very serious illness. We urge anyone in the community who is able to receive the flu vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible, especially very young children, the elderly or those with medical conditions that put them at risk such as those involving the lung or immune system.”

“Having an annual flu vaccine will not only reduce your chances of catching the flu but also reduce the severity of your illness if you become infected,” he said.

Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone six months and older and is free for at risk groups including children aged six months to five years, people over 65 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe flu.

There have been more than 11,000 notified influenza cases in Victoria this year already, which is almost twice as many as for the same time last year. It remains early in this year’s flu season and numbers are expected to rise more steeply in the winter months.

Flu vaccines can be given at the same time as other National Immunisation Program vaccines, such as the new free maternal RSV vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition to vaccination, simple steps can help stop the spread of respiratory illnesses such as washing hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, wearing a mask, and staying home when sick.

Flu and COVID vaccinations are available at GPs or local pharmacies. Flu vaccine bookings are also available through Barwon Health’s Immunisation Program at sites and is free for eligible groups.

For more information go to bswphu.org.au