Be Your Own Health Hero
Talk to your GP or pharmacist about which vaccinations will best protect you.
What Vaccinations Should I Consider?
It is recommended that you talk to your GP or pharmacist about the vaccinations that are best for you. These may include the flu vaccination, COVID-19 vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for pregnant women between 28-36 weeks gestation.
Why Should I Get a Flu Vaccination?
It is recommended that everyone, 6 months of age and older, receive a flu vaccination to prevent the spread of the highly infectious influenza virus. While anyone can get the flu, some are more likely to get very sick and could be at higher risk of needing hospital care. This includes children under 5, people who are 65 years and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions. Getting the flu vaccination can help you to protect yourself and others, by stopping flu from spreading. The flu vaccine is free for eligible groups.
Why Should I Stay Up-to-date With My COVID-19 Vaccinations?
While the coronavirus pandemic is over, COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. It's important not to become complacent. Ensuring you stay up-to-date with your free COVID-19 vaccinations provides you, and those around you who may be more susceptible to severe disease, with stronger protection.
If you're not quite sure about which doses you need or what vaccine you should get, talk to your GP or Pharmacist.
What is the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine provides protection against the bacterial infection called pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis. It is especially serious for young children and older people.
Who Should Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
If you want to protect yourself against pneumococcal disease, talk to you GP or pharmacist about getting vaccinated. The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recommends vaccination for infants and children as part of routine vaccinations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 years and older, adults aged 70 years and older, and anyone with conditions that increase risk of pneumococcal disease.
Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine Free?
The pneumococcal vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for different age groups and circumstances. The vaccine is free to children as part of routine vaccinations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 years and older, adults aged 70 years and older, and anyone with conditions that increase risk of pneumococcal disease. Speak to your GP or pharmicist about the specified medical risk conditions that qualify for the free vaccine.
Resipiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine
Pregnant women of all ages are also eligible and encouraged to receive the new RSV vaccine, which is available for free under the NSW RSV Prevention Program. The vaccine is recommended to be given between 28-36 weeks of gestation to provide women and their unborn baby protection
against the virus. It is also available at a cost for those aged 60 years and over who may be at higher risk of severe illness. Talk to your GP about whether this vaccine is right for you.
