Parents are being reminded to book their children in for a free flu vaccination, particularly as cases of the flu across the state surge.
While recent data shows that cases across all age groups are on the rise, the biggest increase in cases has been seen in children under the age of 5 – up 37 per cent in the last few months.
Despite the rise in flu cases, however, only 23 per cent of Victorian children aged under 5 have had their free annual flu vaccination.
Noting that flu cases had quadrupled between April and June, Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker expressed concern that the number of cases would only continue to grow.
“We’re expecting flu cases to keep rising in the weeks ahead so it’s critical people book in their flu vaccination now, particularly for those groups at higher risk of severe illness such as children,” she said.
“The flu vaccination is free for children and other high-risk groups and is widely available across GPs, pharmacists, and other providers.
“Flu is highly contagious and while most people may only experience mild to moderate symptoms, for some it can be deadly.”
The flu vaccine is free for people at higher risk of severe disease, including children under 5 and people aged 65 and older, as part of the National Immunisation Program.
It is available through GPs, local pharmacies, Aboriginal health services, and local council immunisation services.
Flu vaccines can be given at the same time as other National Immunisation Program vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines.
In addition to vaccination, simple steps can be taken to stop the spread of respiratory illnesses in the community such as flu, seasonal respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19. This includes washing hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, wearing a mask, and staying home when sick.