April 16, 2020
Vulnerable groups and individuals are being encouraged to get the flu shot and get it early.
Grand Pacific Health’s Director of Primary Health, Christine van den Berg says whilst the flu vaccination does not prevent against COVID-19, it is of particular importance this year:
“Each year between 100 and 1000 Australians die of influenza and what we want to avoid this year is the risk of a dangerous double-up of flu and coronavirus—both diseases affecting the respiratory system.”
“Expert medical advice is that everyone aged six months and over should be vaccinated against influenza this year, (from April) to provide optimal protection during the peak flu season,” added Christine.
The Australian Government has invested $80 million to provide free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program – this includes over 4 million doses of Fluad Quad® for those aged 65 years and older.
The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to those most at risk, including:
People in mandatory self-isolation due to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID -19 should remain in isolation and should not leave their home to go and get a flu vaccination.
More information on the flu is available at https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/flu-influenza-immunisation-service.
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