NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park has received advice to suggest higher than usual influenza activity season this year.
As a result, the NSW Government has increased the investment and reach of the flu vaccination.
It has also announced an investment of $16.6 million to ensure all newborns in NSW can be protected from serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
But health records indicate that winter vaccination rates have been declining.
In NSW, the influenza vaccine rate for children aged six months to five years old has declined from 28.3 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent in 2024, and for over 65s it was down from 62 per cent in 2023 to 60 per cent in 2024.
People can access flu vaccinations through their pharmacist or local GP.
Infinity Pharmacy pharmacist Josh Custodio encourages everyone to take advantage, particularly those most at risk.
“The flu vaccinations will be free for those over 65, and some other groups of people,” he said.
“For those others in the age range of 18 to 64, there is a $25 fee for the vaccination.
“It will be a bad flu season, and we are doing the vaccinations now.
“We urge people to get in quick to get ahead of it, and protect yourself and others.”
The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
• Children aged six months to less than five years;
• People aged 65 years and older.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older.
• Pregnant women.
• Those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.
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