With winter fast approaching and an already high number of confirmed Influenza (flu) cases in Australia this year, Council is urging community members to protect themselves by getting immunised before the peak flu period hits.
Council is offering free flu immunisations for eligible community members at dedicated flu-only sessions throughout May and June across various locations and times in Maroondah, as well as at all public immunisation sessions.
This year, you can book online for a session that best suits you:
Council's representative on the Maroondah Partners in Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Tasa Damante, said that while it could happen at any time, it was more common to catch the flu, or experience flu-like symptoms, in the colder months of the year.
"Vaccination is the single most effective way of preventing the spread of flu in our community and getting vaccinated now will protect you before the peak flu period, which is usually around June to September," Cr Damante said.
Influenza is a respiratory infection with the potential to cause serious complications, particularly among young children, seniors and people with certain medical conditions.
"We are encouraging our community to get immunised, with the flu vaccine offered free to our most vulnerable groups through the National Immunisation Program (NIP)," Cr Damante said.
Medical experts have advised that most people will develop immunity within two to three weeks of having their flu shot.
Eligibility
Groups eligible for the free seasonal influenza vaccine include:
- Children aged from 6 months to under 5 years old (up to 4 years and 11 months)
- People aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over
- Those aged six months and over with medical conditions predisposing them to influenza (i.e. respiratory disease, low immunity, severe asthma).
Those not eligible for the free vaccine can still obtain the latest quadrivalent flu vaccine on a user-pays basis.
Children under 9 years receiving the flu vaccine for the first time will require two doses with at least four weeks in between each dose. You will also need to bring the Children Immunisation Record Book (green book) and any previous vaccination history.
Council's immunisation service has full accreditation in compliance with AS/NZS iSO 9001 Quality Standards.
Council's highly experienced immunisation team also offers a school-based immunisation program, a corporate flu immunisation program and free immunisation advice.
Workplace Flu Program
Council also offers influenza vaccinations to eligible Maroondah businesses
Businesses must be located within the City of Maroondah and have 20 or more employees who want to receive the vaccine.
View the Workplace Flu Program request form
