Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, is calling on older people who have not yet had their winter vaccinations to make the appointment and get protected.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against serious illness, hospitalisation and death caused by respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These illnesses can be severe even in otherwise healthy people.
Free vaccines are now available for people most at risk of complications through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), including older adults. People can get their vaccine at general practices, pharmacies, immunisation clinics and residential aged care providers for people living in aged care. Vaccination is a simple way to avoid unnecessary illness, serious complications, and potentially hospitalisation.
Flu vaccines are recommended and free for at risk groups, including people aged 65 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 6 months.
You can safely get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at the same appointment or separately. Speak with your doctor about your eligibility for other recommended free NIP vaccines. For more information about winter vaccinations, visit health.gov.au/winter-vaccinations