General News
20 June, 2024
Don’t let flu catch you
All eligible Wimmera residents should have their flu shot, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia says.
The call to arms follows an alarming rise in the number of flu cases across the country in the first quarter of this year which saw 26,836 influenza cases reported by the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
By February, case numbers were already double those of the same time last year.
Pharmacy Guild national president Professor Trent Twomey says it's time to get a jump on winter by becoming vaccinated now.
“The flu season typically runs from May to October,” Professor Twomey said.
“However, flu vaccines for the 2024 season are available now in community pharmacies across Australia."
Professor Twomey said although the vaccine would last throughout the year it was most effective in the first three to four months following its administration.
Flu vaccines can be given on the same day as other vaccines, such as COVID.
Community pharmacists can advise about vaccination.
Appointments can be made online at www.findapharmacy.com.au.