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Book now! Free flu shots end this week

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Hunter residents are being urged to take advantage of free flu vaccines on offer until the end of June.

The reminder comes as another 211 people with the viral infection were admitted to hospitals across the state last week, taking the year’s total to more than 1,300.

In fact almost 9,400 residents have presented at NSW hospital emergency departments with influenza-like illness in the past six months.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said a free influenza vaccine will provide vital protection during winter.

NSW pandemic
Dr Kerry Chant (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

“I want to remind people the flu vaccine remains free for all NSW residents for another seven days, so please book in now to take advantage of this important initiative to boost immunity levels,” Dr Chant said.

“The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from the harmful effects of influenza. 

“I want to thank everyone who has already come forward to get their jab, but there’s still work to be done.

“Influenza immunisation rates aren’t where they need to be. Only about one in three people in NSW have received their influenza vaccine this year and we really need to see that number go up, especially among vulnerable groups such as young children and older people who are most at risk of severe illness.

“We are anticipating a surge in influenza activity right through winter and into spring, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated. There is plenty of stock available at pharmacies and GPs, so please book in today.”

Free flu vaccinations are available to all NSW residents over the age of six months until 30 June.

Free flu shots are available at GPs for everyone aged 6 months and over as well as pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.

For information on flu vaccination, visit Vaccination in NSW.

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