Free flu immunisation for children under five

Published on 20 April 2022

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Corangamite Shire children aged between six months and under five years can get free flu shots across the Shire in coming weeks.

Council Immunisation Coordinator Felicity Wills said the Health Department recommended people aged six months and over get the annual vaccination, unless there was a medical reason not to.

“Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications,” Mrs Wills said.

“While everyone has been focussed on COVID-19 vaccines in recent months, the influenza vaccine is just as important.

“We strongly recommend people get the shot to keep your families safe.

“It’s not mandatory but is available for those who want it.”

“We are running public immunisation sessions for children right around the Shire,” Mrs Wills said. “Please call us on 1800 552 902 to book.”

Preventative measures and infection control will be in place at the immunisation sessions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when conducting immunisations.

Social distancing measures will be in place, hand sanitiser will be provided.

People should not attend if they have fever, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath or a cough, or have returned from overseas in the past 14 days.

The vaccine offers its best protection within three to four months after receiving the shot. Getting it now should give the highest level of protection during peak flu season from June to September.

Where and when:

Wednesday 27 April

  • Camperdown, Old Stadium, 1–3 pm

Monday 2 May

  • Cobden Maternal and Child Health Centre, 10 am-2 pm (by appointment)
  • Timboon Maternal and Child Health Room, 11am-2 pm (by appointment)

Wednesday 11 May

  • Lismore Maternal and Child Health room, 10 am-12 pm

Wednesday 18 May

  • Terang Maternal and Child Health, 9 am-2 pm (by appointment)

The Australian Government supplies seasonal influenza vaccines through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people most at risk.

Due to their increased risk of complications from the flu, the following groups can get flu shots for free.

  • All children aged six months to less than five years
  • All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
  • Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
  • All people aged 65 years and over
  • People aged six months and over with medical conditions which increase the risk of flu complications.

If you or your dependent are five or over and fit one of the other criteria for the free shots, contact your GP.

 

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