Ben Morton (Tangney, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's important we remind our communities to find some time for their good health and that of their family by making sure everyone gets their 2018 flu vaccinations. Flu shots are now available from your GP. Also, pharmacists in Tangney and across the country who have completed vaccine training are able to administer flu shots for adults. It's important to get the flu shot every year, because the virus does change. Many Australians are also eligible for free flu shots under the National Immunisation Program, including people aged 65 years and over. Last year, sadly, people aged over 65 accounted for over 90 per cent of the 1,100 flu-associated deaths. This government has taken specific action to address this.

Two new groundbreaking flu vaccinations are now available specifically for those Australians aged over 65. These are stronger doses, and the flu shot doesn't contain any live viruses, so you can't get the flu from the vaccine. More than 250,000 Australians tested positive for influenza last year and we saw double normal hospitalisations. On Friday, after parliament, I'm off to the pharmacy in Lynwood to get my flu vaccination, and I encourage all people in Tangney to do the same—even if you don't normally. With GPs, local nurses and pharmacists administering vaccinations, there's plenty of availability and convenient times to get the flu shot this year.