There are 18 million influenza vaccines available in Australia right now, so do the smart thing this winter and get a flu shot.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said vaccinating against the flu saves and protects lives and is particularly important this year due to the coronavirus still being around.

“While the flu vaccination does not prevent against COVID-19, it does prevent against the potential of the double-whammy: COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, which could be life threatening for elderly and vulnerable people,” he said.

“I get the flu shot regularly and I believe it’s not just good for me, it’s good for the whole community.”

In May, an additional two million flu vaccines manufactured in Australia by Seqirus were distributed to GPs and pharmacists.

More than 7.3 million flu vaccines have already been administered by doctors and pharmacists and entered into the Australian Immunisation Register this year. This compares to 4.5 million doses administered and entered for the same period last year, and over double the 3.5 million in 2018.

Port Macquarie pharmacist Judy Plunkett wanted to reinforce the message influenza can be fatal – an average of 1500-3000 Australians lose their lives each year because of influenza and a further 18,000 are hospitalised.

“As our community gets back to normal and students get back to face-to-face learning at schools, it’s important for people to be vaccinated for influenza,” Ms Plunkett said.

“We can be the community that doesn’t get influenza, it’s possible, if we all – young and old – get immunised.”

The Government has invested more than $80 million to provide free flu vaccine to people most at risk of complications from influenza, through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Annual vaccination is recommended for all people aged six months and over (unless contraindicated).

Through the NIP, many people are eligible for a free flu shot including people aged 65 years and over, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who suffer from chronic conditions. Residents can get a flu shot from their GP or pharmacies. Pharmacies charge varying prices to provide influenza vaccines.