Influenza Vaccination 2021

Flu vaccination clinics for 2022 have commenced.

• We are taling appointments for our flu vaccination clinics. Book online or  ring the surgery on 02 66280505 
• Families with children can book for an after school appointment
• If you do not qualify for a free government provided vaccine (see below) we will have some vaccines available for purchase.
• The flu vaccination does not protect against coronavirus, and cannot be given two weeks before or two weeks after coronavirus vaccination.
• You can read more about coronavirus vaccination here

The Government is recommending all people in Australia 6 months and older be vaccinated against the flu this year.

Optimal protection against influenza occurs within the first three to four months following vaccination.

Families with children will be able to call to book a weekday after school appointment (booking essential). Children who are aged from six months to under five years are recommended to have two vaccine doses in the first year they receive a flu vaccine, with at least four weeks between doses. Children who have had flu vaccination previously will only require one dose

The government provides free flu vaccination for the following groups as they have an increased risk of complications from influenza:

• all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age
• all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 5 years and over
• all individuals aged 5 years and over with medical risk conditions, namely:
  • cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
  • chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma
  • other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, and haemoglobinopathies
  • chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders
  • impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use
  • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
• pregnant women (influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
• people aged 65 years and over (a vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).

For those who are ineligible for a government subsidised vaccination, we will have a supply of vaccines at an anticipated charge of about $20. If these are not available, we will provide a prescription to obtain the vaccine from a local chemist. We will let you know at the time of booking your flu vaccination appointment,