Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit, GVPHU, is celebrating 50 years of the World Health Organisation’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation, EPI.
This significant milestone marks decades of collective efforts to save and improve countless lives from vaccine-preventable diseases.
GVPHU also calls on communities to prioritise vaccination ahead once again of the coming peak flu and winter virus season.
Dr Will Cross, GVPHU Public Health physician said this season, as the community navigates the challenges still posed by COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses, it is more important than ever to prioritise vaccination.
“The good news is, we know what to do to stay well. Getting your flu shot and staying up to date with your COVID19 vaccinations will not only protect you but also the people around you. Vaccines continue to keep us all healthy and safe. Getting vaccinated helps save lives,” Dr Cross said.
“Every person who gets vaccinated not only gets protected from a number of serious illnesses but also contributes to herd immunity, preventing the spread of illnesses to those who did not receive their immunizations, either because of compromised immune systems or lack of access to vaccines,” he added.
“We urge everyone to book in for flu or COVID[1]19 boosters. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to receive both vaccines at the same time.
“The flu shot is free for people aged 65 and over, people who are pregnant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children aged 6 months to 5 years, and people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe flu. If you’re worried about your symptoms or need more information on vaccination, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.”
In addition to vaccination, the GVPHU encourages people to continue to practice protective measures against respiratory infections to keep everyone safe.