THE Federal Government will provide two new ground-breaking flu vaccines to more than three million Australians over 65 free of charge.
Canning MHR Andrew Hastie encouraged those eligible to get their shots before the flu season begins.
Mr Hastie said it was a direct response to last year’s horrific flu season which had a devastating impact around the world and aimed at saving lives.
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READ NOWMore than 90 per cent of the 1100 flu-related deaths last year were people over 65.
Under the National Immunisation Program, those eligible for a free flu shot includes over 65s, pregnant women, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those suffering from chronic conditions.
Last year, more than 4.5 million doses of the vaccine were provided free.
Mr Hastie encouraged all Australians over six months to get a vaccination before the peak season starts in June.
The new vaccines – Fluad and Fluzone High Dose – were registered in Australia specifically to provide increased protection to over 65s.
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