Victorians are being urged to get the flu shot to stay well this winter and reduce pressure on the state’s health system.
Chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton said ensuring flu and COVID-19 vaccinations were up-to-date would help protect Victorians during winter.
“Victoria has seen low rates of the flu over the last two years due to closed international borders and social distancing measures to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“That also means that this winter is a really critical time to be protected with flu vaccinations.
“Vaccination against a highly contagious viral infection like flu is key to protecting yourself and those around you and will ensure we don’t put further pressure on our health system.”
Influenza is a seasonal infection usually occurring from April to September and could cause severe illness and life-threatening complications regardless of age.
In a year of high influenza activity, it was estimated the flu could contribute to more than 3300 deaths in Australia.
All Victorians are encouraged to get their seasonal influenza vaccine from their community pharmacy, GP, local council or other immunisation provider as soon as possible.
No interval is required between the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as they target different viruses, so both could be given on the same day if you are due for a COVID-19 vaccination.
“If you do get the flu the advice remains the same,” Prof Sutton.
“Stay at home if you’re unwell and don’t go to work or school.”
More information on how to avoid influenza and on getting vaccinated is available on the Victorian Government’s Better Health website at betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone older than six months and is free for people considered to be at higher risk from influenza, including:
• children from six months to under five;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age;
• pregnant women;
• people aged 65 and over; and
• people with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications.