As we move into flu season and with the ongoing threat of Coronavirus, Council is offering free flu vaccines for children six months to under five years of age starting from 20 April in Stawell and St Arnaud.
Council is also encouraging everyone in the community to get the flu vaccine to help ensure the impact of the illness on health providers is minimised as much as possible.
For vulnerable people, like children and the elderly, the flu can have serious and devastating outcomes. That’s why it’s so important everyone knows how to stop the spread of flu.
Groups eligible for free vaccines under the state government scheme from a GP or pharmacy include pregnant women, people 65 years and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over, and people aged six months and over with medical conditions which increase the risk of influenza disease complications.
To access the free vaccine from Council, children will need to be six months of age by the time of the booked appointment date or be aged four years, 11 months and 29 days old on the day of the booked appointment.
Children older than 5 years will be able to receive the flu vaccine at their local medical centre or GP clinic.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Murray Emerson, urged all people to get the flu vaccine if they are able.
“As our healthcare providers are stretched with COVID-19 preparedness, it’s vital everyone does their best to contain influenza this year,” he said.
“We know not everyone can get vaccines due to health complications but if a majority of people get it we can build up herd immunity and we can all ensure the health and wellbeing of our entire community is secure.”
Council has implemented strict COVID-19 social distancing practices in place at vaccine appointments and we ask that anyone attending follow all instructions when entering the Council building for your allotted appointment.
Appointments are available in Stawell and St Arnaud in April, May and June. If this is the first time your child has received a flu vaccine, they will require a second appointment in the following month for the second vaccine.
Appointments can be booked online at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Immunisation
