Cowra Residents Encouraged To Get Flu Shot

Australia could be facing a severe flu season this winter and the Immunisation Coalition is concerned about low vaccination rates and low levels of immunity across the Australian population.

New research commissioned by the Immunisation Coalition has revealed that only 35% of adults 18 – 64 plan to have a flu shot this year. The research also shows that 73% of the adult population expect the flu to be worse this year than the previous 2 years.

The Immunisation Coalition is concerned that Australians may be unprotected as strains of the flu arrive via international travel and are spread through increased domestic travel.

Flu circulation is also likely to increase with lockdowns ending, social-distancing being relaxed and greater population movement as people return to workplaces, schools and transportation.

Leanne Boase, President of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners: “We commend everyone for their enormous effort during the pandemic which resulted in such high rates of COVID 19 vaccination, limiting severe disease, and hospitalisations. We urge you not to underestimate influenza, and make sure you have your flu shot this year. Protect yourself, your loved ones, including your children, ahead of what is predicted to be a resurgence of influenza. Together we can reduce the impact.”

There are three locations in Cowra where local residents can book in to receive an influenza vaccine for this year’s flu season: Cowra Medical Associates, Medispring Family Medical Centre and Optimal Pharmacy Health Hub (Railway lane). Bookings are essential, with appointments offered on differing days and times.

Cowra Medical Associates can be contacted on 6341 1400 and Medispring Family Medical Centre on 6342 2555. Optimal Pharmacy Health Hub is taking walkins from 9am-4:30pm Mon-Fri.

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