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Free flu shots extended as cases keep rising

By Darren Linton

Jun 29, 2022

Protection: Free flu shots are available in Victoria until July 10. Photo by Contributed

The Victorian Government has extended the free influenza vaccination program over the school holidays, giving Victorian families more time to protect themselves against the flu this winter.

Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from participating GPs and pharmacies and to further boost vaccination as much as possible, the program will continue until July 10.

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From mid-April 2022, the weekly number of notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza reported in Australia has exceeded the five-year average.

In City of Greater Shepparton 210 cases have been reported so far this year.

Throughout June all Victorians aged six months and over have been eligible for a free flu shot from more than 2000 GP clinics and community pharmacies across the state.

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the state’s collective immunity against flu was low after two years of physical distancing and reduced international travel.

“As many Victorians have experienced first-hand already, this is shaping up to be the most aggressive flu season we’ve seen since the start of the pandemic, with thousands of cases being recorded across the state each week,” she said.

“Getting vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu not only keeps the pressure off our hospitals, but also gives you and your loved ones the best protection possible over the winter period.”

The flu vaccination is already free for children under five, people over 65 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with increased risk medical conditions.