Respiratory illnesses will increase over winter, so Canberrans should have their flu vaccination early, the ACT Government advises.

“The peak period for influenza is typically June to September, so now is a good time to get your flu vaccination if you haven’t already,” health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.

The flu vaccine is widely available from GPs and pharmacies.

Some eligible people may be vaccinated at public health facilities, such as Early Childhood Immunisation Clinics and ACT Health Antenatal Clinics.

The flu vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:

• Children aged six months to under five years
• People aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
• People aged six months and over with underlying medical conditions.

Providers may charge a fee to administer the vaccine.

The ACT has a higher flu vaccination rate for children under five years than the national average, but Ms Stephen-Smith wants to increase the rate.

Ms Stephen-Smith also recommended Canberrans get any COVID-19 vaccinations for which they might be eligible, including booster shots.

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Ms Stephen-Smith urged Canberrans to limit the spread of respiratory illness, including COVID-19.

“We should all continue to practise COVID-smart behaviours, such as staying home if unwell, physical distancing, wearing a mask, and good hand hygiene,” she said.

For more information about influenza vaccination and winter wellness, visit the ACT Health website.