Get your flu shot before the flu gets you Federal Member for Calare John Cobb is calling on the Calare community to get their annual influenza shot, with a new, improved vaccine now available. Mr Cobb said the influenza vaccination available under the National Immunisation Program now protected against the three most prevalent flu strains following a record flu season in Australia last year.
“Vaccination is the best defence against the flu, which sadly contributed to several deaths in Calare last year and contributes to thousands of deaths annually across the country,” Mr Cobb said.
“The more people who are vaccinated, the less chance the illness spreads throughout the rest of the Calare community. “Those most at risk of the flu are those members of the community who are ill, vulnerable, pregnant or elderly.
“The message for Calare is simple – get your flu shot before the flu gets you this winter.”
Dr. Kumar has stressed the need for local people to come in and get their shot as soon as possible. It is important to ring first for an appointment to avoid having to wait. The Australian government provides free flu vaccines for those most at risk and those who are eligible. The National Seasonal Influenza Immunisation Program began this week following a rare double strain change in the vaccine to ensure Australians were protected against the most likely strains this winter.