Residents 65 And Over Urged To Book Free Flu Vaccine

As cases continue to surge across the State, Murrumbidgee residents aged 65 years and over are urged to book in for a free flu vaccine.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Senior Medical Advisor, Dr Anton Forsyth said the latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report shows influenza activity was at a high level and increasing.

“We are expecting the flu season will be around for several weeks to come, so now is the time to book in for your free flu vaccine to get the vital protection you need,” Dr Forsyth said.

“This is particularly important for people aged 65 and over who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza and, unfortunately, our vaccination rates for this group still aren’t where we need them to be.

“At present, just over half of people 65 and over (57 per cent) in NSW have received their flu vaccine.”With influenza, COVID-19 and RSV all circulating in the community, the community is reminded to avoid visiting high-risk settings including hospitals and aged care facilities if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.

MLHD declares vaccination to be the best protection against infection and severe disease.

Everyone, but especially those at increased risk of severe disease, is urged to get vaccinated now and protect themselves and those around them.

The influenza vaccine is free and readily available for those at higher risk of severe illness from influenza.

It is available through GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza who are eligible for free vaccination include:

• People aged 65 and over;

• Children aged six months to under five years;

• Aboriginal people from six months of age;

• Pregnant women;

• Those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, severe asthma and kidney, heart and lung disease.

Some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV, include:

• Staying up-to-date with your recommended influenza and COVID -19 vaccinations;

• Staying home if you are sick and wearing a mask if you need to leave home;

• Getting together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows;

• Avoiding crowded spaces;

• Doing a rapid antigen test (RAT) before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness;

• Talking with your GP if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines.

• Avoid visiting people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza.

• Practising good hand hygiene, including handwashing.

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