Victorians aged six months and over will be eligible for a free flu shot from tomorrow, the Andrews Labor government announced today.
The state will join several other states, including New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia in a one-month flu blitz to try to curb the rise in flu cases.
Influenza cases in Victoria have risen more than 30 percent in the last week alone from 10,000 to 15,000, after two years of COVID-19, and reduced international travel has led to limited immunity to the common flu virus. winter.
“This will be the first time in two years that we are facing a real flu season: we need all Victorians to arm themselves and help protect their loved ones and our health care system by vaccinating us,” said the Minister of Hi, Martin Foley.
“The Victorians really accepted the call to arms when it came to COVID-19 vaccines, and we know they can do it again.”
More than 3,000 Victoria clinics and community pharmacies will be invited to offer free flu shots throughout June as part of a $ 33 million package.
Previously, the flu vaccine was only free for eligible groups, such as children under the age of five, people over the age of 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people at increased risk for disease. .
The Labor government will reimburse GPs and community pharmacies for flu vaccines given to any Victorian who is not usually eligible for free flu shots, so that immunization providers can continue to use the vaccines they already have. they have bought.
As part of the push, the government is also offering $ 2,000 grants to immunization providers to help them manage additional demand, such as adding more staff and opening longer hours.
There is no necessary interval between receiving a vaccine against COVID-19 and the flu.
Victorians are advised to contact their local GP or community pharmacy starting tomorrow, Wednesday, June 1, to reserve their free vaccine.
Anyone with symptoms of a cold and flu should be tested for COVID-19 and stay at home until their symptoms have resolved, regardless of whether it is COVID-19 or the flu.
People who test positive for COVID-19 should be isolated for seven days from the date of their outcome.