Flu shots now more important than ever say authorities

Narrabri Shire residents are heeding the advice of medical authorities that flu vaccination is more important than ever during April.

Narrabri pharmacies have been busy providing the all important flu shots.

“With the 2020 flu season not far away, all Australians, and especially those in vulnerable groups or age brackets, should arrange vaccination during April,” advised Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.

“Expert medical advice is that everyone aged six months and over should be vaccinated against influenza this year, and every year.”

Receiving a vaccination from April provides optimal protection in the peak period of influenza circulation, usually from June to September.

“This year it is even more important to be vigilant about the flu because of the COVID-19 pandemic” Mr Hunt said.

“While there is not yet a vaccine or effective treatment for COVID-19, vaccination provides an effective defence against the flu.”

While flu vaccination does not prevent against COVID-19, a flu vaccination is critical to protecting the general health of Australians from influenza, which can take between 100 to 1,000 lives per year depending on the severity.

“Vaccinating against the flu will reduce the risk of a very dangerous double-up of flu and coronavirus.”

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there are strong national requirements for all Australians to stay home unless they are undertaking essential activities, however it is permissible to leave home for medical or other health care needs, including attending an appointment to get a flu vaccine. The Australian Government has invested more than $80 million to provide more free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program in 2020 than ever before, including a new quadrivalent vaccine Fluad Quad® for people aged 65 years and over.