Corangamite Shire children aged between six months and under five years can get free flu shots in coming weeks.
Council Immunisation Coordinator Felicity Wills said the Health Department recommended people aged six months and over get the annual vaccination, unless there was a medical reason not to.
“Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications,” Mrs Wills said.
“While everyone has been focussed on COVID-19 vaccines in recent months, the influenza vaccine is just as important.
“We strongly recommend people get the shot to keep your families safe.
“It’s not mandatory but is available for those who want it.”
The Australian Government supplies seasonal influenza vaccines through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people most at risk.
Due to their increased risk of complications from the flu, the following groups can get flu shots for free.
- All children aged six months to less than five years
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
- Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
- All people aged 65 years and over
- People aged six months and over with medical conditions which increase the risk of flu complications.
“We are running a public immunisation sessions for children right around the Shire,” Mrs Wills said.
