Flu vaccination 2023

Flu vaccination 2023

Both Government-funded (free) and Private Influenza vaccines are in stock. Appointments are available online, or by calling Reception.

Influenza vaccination can be given at the same time as COVID-19 booster vaccination.

The following people are eligible for a FREE Government-funded influenza vaccination:

  • Age 65 years and over (high-dose vaccine)
  • All Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years 
  • Pregnant women (influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
  • All individuals aged 5 years and over with medical risk conditions, namely:
    • cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
    • chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma
    • other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, and haemoglobinopathies
    • chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders
    • impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
  • All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over

Otherwise, private flu vaccines ($20 vaccine cost) are for anyone who does not qualify for the free vaccine criteria above.

(If you do NOT have a valid Medicare card, a $40 total fee applies – $20 vaccine cost plus $20 consult fee).

Please call and request a “Flu vax appointment”.

2023 Booster – COVID-19 vaccine

 

Updated 13/03/2023

(i)   “2023 Booster” – COVID-19

“2023 Booster” of COVID-19 vaccination is available for the following groups, if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received:

  • All adults aged 18 years and older, or
  • Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs

The “2023 Booster” will be the 5th dose for many adults (or 6th dose for immunocompromised adults).

Please click here for the ATAGI statement (08/02/2023) for further details

 

(ii)   Pfizer Bivalent (BA.4/5) booster

Please also note that the updated Pfizer Bivalent (BA.4/5) booster is now available to be used as a booster for any person aged ≥12 years who is recommended to receive a COVID-19 booster according to the ATAGI 2023 booster advice above.

Please click here for further information on the updated Pfizer Bivalent BA.4/5 vaccine