Now is the time to prepare for cold and flu season. While general hygiene practices can help prevent colds and viruses, the best way to prevent the spread of influenza (the flu) in our community is vaccination.
Are you prepared for flu season?
Flu vaccines are available from various recognised immunisation providers and are free to vulnerable people in the community under the National Immunisation Program.
This includes:
- pregnant women
- people aged 65 or over
- people aged 6 months or over with medical conditions that pose a higher risk of getting serious disease
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 6 months to 5 years, and over 15 years
If you are not eligible for free vaccine the cost varies depending on the type of vaccine, the formula and where you buy it - usually between $10 - $25 (less for Commonwealth concession card holders). Remember: only medications over the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, threshold of $40.30 are claimable on your health insurance.
Don’t leave it too late - anyone who wants to protect themselves against the flu can talk to their GP about getting immunised.
