Free flu vaccine for older residents

Peninsula residents aged 65 and over are being encouraged to take advantage of the free annual flu vaccination program on offer to them.

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal said it was important for all older Australians to be vaccinated this flu season.

"I would encourage all older Australians living on the Peninsula to make an appointment with their GP to receive the flu vaccination this year," Ms Neal said.

"Most healthy adults will recover from influenza within a few days without any complications.

"However, some people, especially those aged 65 and over and people with certain chronic medical conditions can suffer complications.

"This can include pneumonia requiring hospitalisation, and even death."

Typical symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, runny noses and watery eyes.

The national flu vaccination program was launched by the Minister for Ageing Ms Justine Elliot late last month.

Ms Elliot said there are record supplies of vaccinations being distributed to prepare for this year's flu season.

The Federal Government will spend more than $28.8 million on influenza and related programs across two years with a record 2.712 million doses of influenza vaccine distributed to GPs, at clinics or in nursing homes.

Press release, 20 Apr 2009 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson