Monash Health’s team of experts spoke to media to deliver important messagesabout this year’s flu season to the community. The Department of Health has alsoissued health alerts stating the importance of vaccination. They said that while flucauses in children usually produce mild to moderate illness with symptoms such asfever and cough, some children can develop severe illness, particularly babies andchildren with underlying medical conditions.

Vaccination is key to protecting children from severe flu and is recommended yearlyfor everyone 6 months and over. See your doctor (GP) or local council immunisationservice. The flu vaccine is available FREE for children under 5 years, and for somegroups who are at higher risk of complications from flu. Pharmacists can administer the flu vaccines to anyone aged 5 years and over.

To see the interviews with Monash Health click here

COVID-19 update

Monday, 1 May 2023

A new way to book your COVID-19 vaccination

The Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) website is no longer in operation.

The COVID-19 vaccination clinics that were listed on the VCF have moved to another website called the Service Finder.

You can use the Service Finder to book healthcare services near you, including flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for winter protection.

The Service Finder has additional features that can help you find clinics that offer:

-telehealth

-language support

-bulk billing

-walk-in appointments, and more.

The Service Finder is available in 16 languages.

What you need to know about COVID-19 boosters

COVID-19 booster doses are free for everyone.

Getting a booster will provide additional protection against severe illness from COVID-19.

If it's been 6 months or longer since you had COVID-19 or got your vaccine, it's time to get your booster.

This is particularly recommended for people at higher risk of severe illness, including:

-everyone 65 years and over

- everyone 18 years and over with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs.

RE News