Flu Vaccinations Now Available

Vaccination is your best chance for protection against the flu, and it helps protect the people around you who are not able to have a flu shot (such as babies aged less than 6 months).

Strains of the flu change constantly, which is why we need a new vaccine every year to guard against this often-debilitating illness. The one this year covers four strains of virus. Unfortunately this vaccine does not deal with the Covid-19 Corona virus.

Timing is Everything

Immunity against the flu following vaccination does wear off after some time. Most people will develop immunity 2 to 3 weeks after their flu shot. And it provides the best protection against the flu within 3 to 4 months of being vaccinated.

Flu season in Australia usually runs from June to September, peaking in August. The Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Government recommends vaccinating from mid-April in order to develop immunity before rates of influenza increase.

Your GP can recommend the best time to get the flu shot based on your individual circumstances. Ultimately, being vaccinated at any time is better than not at all.

Who's Eligible for a Free Flu Shot?

Many Australians can get vaccinated against the flu for free, thanks to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This year, the government has secured more than 6 million doses of the vaccine to help protect those most at risk of getting sick during the flu season.

The flu vaccine is free for the following people:
    •    anyone aged 65 years and over
    •    All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
    •    pregnant women
    •    anyone over 6 months of age with medical conditions such as severe asthma, lung disease or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes that can lead to complications from influenz

If you're not sure ask clinic staff if you're eligible for a free flu vaccination. Telephone consultations with your regular doctor are now available and are all bulk billed. Call for more information.

Our clinics are:
Bundilla Clinic  5444 2666 Mooloolaba  www.BundillaClinic.com
Brightwater Medical Centre 5493 2888 Mountain Creek  www.BrightwaterMedicalCentre.com.au
Parklands Medical Centre 5491 2888 Meridan Plains  www.ParklandsMedicalCentre.com.au