The Victorian Government has ordered record quantities of the flu vaccine and is once again protecting Victoria’s littlest children from the deadly disease.
Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos visited Sunshine Hospital to launch a new campaign encouraging Victorians to get their flu shot ahead of winter and do their part to stop the spread of flu.
More than two million free vaccinations are expected to be administered before the flu season takes hold.
The Victorian Government makes the vaccination free for kids aged six months to less than five.
A horror flu season in 2017 saw more than 48,000 Victorians diagnosed with influenza. That number fell to 11,612 cases in 2018, but flu diagnoses in 2019 are currently triple what they were compared with the same time in 2018.
Thanks to the Victorian Government, Victorians can also get their flu shot at a participating pharmacy – without the need to visit a doctor. The Government has also established 20 Supercare Pharmacies, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Victorians with a chronic condition are also eligible for a free flu vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program. Victorians over the age of 65 are also covered.
Flu symptoms can include a sudden high fever, headache, body aches and feeling extremely weak or tired. For children, the elderly or people with a weakened immune system, the flu can have devastating outcomes.
Anyone who thinks they have the flu should visit their doctor, a pharmacist, or call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.
Source: Vic Government