2024-04-22
Canberrans can look after their health and wellbeing this winter by getting an influenza vaccination ahead of an expected increase in respiratory illnesses over the coming months.
Minister for Population Health Emma Davidson said vaccination for illnesses including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus help prevent serious illness, particularly for young children, older people and First Nations people.
“Vaccinations are an easy and safe way to protect both yourself and the people in your community who are at risk,” Minister Davidson said.
“Respiratory viruses are more than just bad colds and can become quite serious, leading to hospitalisation and even death.
“Everyone is different so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccinations are recommended for you. If you are at higher risk of severe illness, plan with your doctor about what your treatment and care options if you become unwell.
“If you haven’t already, now is a good time to get your influenza vaccination to get ahead of the peak period for influenza which is usually June to September.”
For many the influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program, although some providers may charge a fee to administer the vaccine. This includes:
- children aged six months to under five years
- people aged 65 and older
- First Nations people aged six months and older
- pregnant people
- people aged six months and older with underlying medical conditions.
The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available from GPs and a range of pharmacies around Canberra as well as at selected public health facilities for some eligible people, such as Early Childhood Immunisation Clinics, ACT Health Antenatal Clinics and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service.
People should also take simple actions to help keep themselves and others well over winter:
- stay up to date with your vaccinations
- practise good hand and respiratory hygiene (wash or sanitise hands frequently, and cough and sneeze into your elbow)
- stay at home if you’re unwell
- maintain your physical and mental health – stay active, eat well, look after your mental health, spend time outdoors if you can and try to get enough sleep.
Further information about vaccinations and winter wellness is available on the ACT Health website here: https://www.act.gov.au/health/topics/staying-well-this-winter
Quotes attributable to Julie Tongs OAM, CEO at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services:
“I am reaching out to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients of Winnunga to strongly encourage you to come and get your flu vaccinations early before the flu season hits.
“It is important for us all to be vaccinated to help keep our elders and our families safe from the flu and prevent serious respiratory issues.
“Influenza can quickly turn into a severe respiratory infection that could lead to hospitalisation no one can afford to put themselves our elders, families and friends or others at risk due to the high numbers of mob who suffer multiple chronic diseases.
“It is also important to keep up to date with COVID vaccinations to ensure that you and your families are protected if there is another COVID outbreak.
“Please play it safe and vaccinate.”