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Flu Vaccine 2022

FLU VACCINES are now available. Please call the surgery to make an appointment.

Influenza (flu) vaccines are given each year to protect against the most common strains of the virus.

If you are eligible, you can get the flu vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program (see eligibility criteria below).

People aged 65 and over should receive the enhanced quadrivalent vaccine over other standard quadrivalent vaccines. The enhanced vaccine has been specially formulated to create a greater immune response amongst the elderly, who are known to have a weaker response to immunisation.
(https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine)

PRIVATE flu vaccines are also available at the surgery.
If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccine, you may have a private flu vaccine at a cost of $20, payable on the day. Bookings required.

Eligibility for the free influenza vaccine

The following people are eligible to receive a free seasonal influenza vaccine:

people aged six months to less than five years
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
people aged 65 years and older
people aged six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications:
- cardiac disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- chronic neurological conditions
- immunocompromising conditions
- diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- renal disease
- haematological disorders
- children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.

Children under nine years receiving their influenza vaccination for the first time require two doses of vaccine, spaced by a minimum of one month.
(https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/seasonal-influenza-vaccine)

Covid-19 Vaccine Booster - 4th 'Winter dose'

The cold weather can make it easier for viruses to infect our bodies.
As Australia moves into winter, an additional Covid-19 booster dose, or ‘winter dose’, is recommended for people at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19 who have already had their first booster dose.

If it has been 4 months since your first booster dose and you fit into one of the below categories, you should book an appointment to have another booster dose as soon as possible before or during winter:

65 years or older
a resident of an aged care or disability care facility
severely immunocompromised (check with your GP if unsure)
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 50 years and older.

People who have had COVID-19 should also wait at least 4 months before having a 4th additional dose.

Read ATAGI’s statement on winter doses
(https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/booster-doses#winter-dose)

Quality Medical Care for more than 65 years

The doctors and staff at Kilsyth Medical Group aim to offer excellence in the provision of comprehensive medical care.

First established in 1955, the practice was the original in the area. Operated by Dr Ken Leversha, practicing from his home (which is now the child care centre next door).
The surgery extended into our current building a short time later with Dr John Monkman joining the practice.