The flu vaccination is already free for eligible groups including children under five years, people over 65 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with increased risk medical conditions.
The Victorian Government announced it would reimburse GPs and community pharmacies for flu vaccines that were administered to any Victorians that were not usually eligible for free flu shots, so that immunisation providers could continue to use vaccine that they had already purchased.
All Victorians aged six months and over are now eligible for the free flu shot between June 1 and June 30 to help boost vaccination coverage as much as possible and avoid more hospitalisations throughout winter.
“This will be the first time in two years that we will face a real flu season — we need all Victorians to roll up their sleeves and help protect their loved ones and our health system by getting vaccinated,” Health Minister Martin Foley said.
“Victorians really took up the call to arms when it came to COVID-19 vaccinations, and we know they can do it again — so we’re removing as many barriers as possible to help boost vaccine coverage.”
Mr Foley urged Victorians to protect themselves and stay safe this winter by getting vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19, and continuing to get tested if symptomatic.
Cases of flu in Victoria have increased by more than 30 per cent in the past week alone from 10,000 to 15,000, after two years of COVID-19 and reduced international travel led to limited immunity to the common winter virus.
As part of the push, the government is also offering $2000 grants to immunisation providers to help them manage the additional demand — such as rostering on more staff and opening for longer hours.
Mr Foley said the cold weather also served as a timely reminder to make sure your child was up to date with their vaccinations, including their COVID-19 jabs. There is no interval required between receiving a COVID-19 and flu vaccine.
Anyone with cold and flu symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 and remain at home until their symptoms have resolved — regardless of whether it turns out to be COVID-19 or flu. People who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for seven days from the date of their result.
