<p>There is still time for older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and others at high risk of influenza complications to protect themselves with a free flu jab this winter.</p>
<p>General Practitioner and Brisbane North PHN Board Chair Dr Anita Green said it was especially important to be vigilant about flu vaccination during this year’s pandemic.</p>
<p>“Contracting both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time could be fatal, even for the fittest of us,” Dr Green said.</p>
<p>“People aged 65 years or older can now get a special Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine from their GP or other immunisation provider,” she said.</p>
<p>“This new flu vaccine provides enhanced protection for older people and, best of all, it’s free.</p>
<p>“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also highly vulnerable to respiratory illness, so influenza vaccination is free for this population group as well, from six months of age.</p>
<p>“Remember that it is safe to visit your GP.</p>
<p>“General Practices now have ample personal protective equipment, like masks and gowns, and new infection control processes are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sanitation is paramount.</p>
<p>“Patients just need to remember to phone ahead to book an appointment.</p>
<p>“This will allow general practice staff to check the vaccine is in stock and assess whether patients have any flu or COVID-19 symptoms before they come to the clinic,” she said.</p>
<p>Other flu vaccine providers include Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, community pharmacies and local council immunisation clinics. Check relevant websites for details.</p>
<p>Immunisation lowers a person’s risk of infection from a vaccine preventable disease. It is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and the community against many serious illnesses.</p>
<p>In Australia, influenza on average causes 1,500 to 3,000 deaths, about 18,000 hospitalisations and 300,000 GP consultations each year [<a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/nCmJC0YK0Ms4y6kHwIfhQ?domain=link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com">source: Influenza Specialist Group, updated 25 March 2020</a>].</p>
<p>The <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/VuKMCgZ0nyUNBVqFo9UEs?domain=link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com">National Immunisation Program</a> provides free flu vaccines to those most at risk, including:</p>
<ul><li>pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy</li>
 <li>all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older</li>
 <li>people aged 65 years and older</li>
 <li>people aged six months and older with certain medical risk factors, and</li>
 <li>for the first time, all children aged between six months and five years.</li>
</ul><p>For more information about vaccine safety, go to <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/i_G0CjZ10BUAOpYS5qoMP?domain=link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com">http://www.ausvaxsafety.org.au/</a>.</p>