Families across the Northern Tablelands will have greater access to influenza vaccinations this winter with the State Government lowering the age for flu injections to children from 16 to 10 years from mid-March.
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the decision was welcome news for families who may find it difficult to get into see their local GP.
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"This provides families with greater protection against the winter flu, and potential convergence of a COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Marshall said.
"Last year was the longest flu season on record, and in 2017 more than 650 people in NSW died from flu-related conditions, now we have COVID-19.
"While the flu vaccine won't combat COVID-19, it will help reduce the severity and spread of flu, which can lower a person's immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses."
Mr Marshall said this year's flu vaccine was expected to be available from mid-April.
"By allowing pharmacists to administer privately purchased flu vaccines to people aged 10 years and over, families now have more choice when booking-in for a flu jab," he said.
"By not getting vaccinated against flu not only do you risk your own health, but you can potentially spread the infection to others more vulnerable, like children and the elderly.
"This year's flu vaccine will be specifically tailored to the strains expected to pose the greatest risk but as always, call ahead to ensure your GP or pharmacist has your dose."
Mr Marshall said, as a community, we needed to take every step possible to stop the spread of flu and transmission of COVID-19 and urged everyone to be vaccinated.
People aged over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and those with high-risk medical conditions can be vaccinated for free by GPs under the National Immunisation Program. The free State-funded vaccine is available to all children aged six months to five years.
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