The cold and flu season this year comes in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. This makes it all the more essential to take extra precautions to reduce your risk of infection. One of the best preventive measures you can take to avoid getting sick is getting the flu shot.
Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious illness caused by the influenza virus. Some people are eligible for a FREE flu shot because they are at higher risk of severe illness from the flu.
This includes:
• Children from 6 months to under 5 years of age
• People with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal people from 6 months of age
• People who are 65 years of age and over.
Book your FREE flu shot through your doctor, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service. Pharmacists can administer flu shots to children aged 5 and over. Parents with children aged under 5 should see their doctor.
Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this applies to you. If you are not eligible for a free flu shot, your doctor or pharmacist will charge you a small fee. The fee may vary between providers.