The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free influenza vaccinations to those at increased risk of complications from catching the virus. This includes:
- Children aged between >6 months and <5 years*
- Anyone 6 months and over with certain medical risk factors
- heart disease
- severe asthma
- chronic lung conditions
- diseases of the nervous system which affect your breathing
- impaired immunity
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- haemoglobinopathies
- children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 6 months and over
- Anyone 65 years and over**
- Pregnant women
*Children under 9 years of age who are having influenza vaccine for the first time need 2 doses with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between doses.
**The influenza vaccine for adults aged 65 years and over was introduced in 2018, this vaccine is specially formulated to provide the best protection for people in this age group. It is the preferred vaccine for people over 65, however if this is unavailable it is acceptable to receive the vaccine for under 65 instead.
If you, or a loved one, are eligible under the NIP, please call the surgery between 8:00am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday, to arrange an appointment. When making your booking, please inform the reception staff that you would like the flu vaccine so that they can allocate the appropriate formula for you.
People who do not qualify for the NIP funded vaccines also benefit from vaccination. People over 18 years can receive flu vaccination from the chemist for a nominal fee. TerryWhite Chemmart McLaren Vale provide this service for $19.95.
Further information about the National Immunisation Program can be found on the Department of Health website.