Flu shots urged ahead of peak season

THE State Government has announced it has ordered “record quantities” of the flu vaccine head of the disease’s most challenging time.

Vaccines are available for free to groups including kids aged six months to less than five years old, over 65s, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with a chronic condition.

The government said more than two million free flu shots will be administered before peak season takes hold.

“Coming down with the flu is not like catching a cold. It hits you quickly and hard, and it can last for weeks, and for some people, it can be deadly,” said Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos.