Free flu shots for Tweed residents will be extended until 17 July amid concerns vaccination rates are still not where they should be.
Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest MP, said the NSW Government was extending the 30 June deadline to receive a free flu jab in order to provide the community with more time to arm themselves this winter.
“I thank the members of our community who have already rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves and others,” Mr Provest said.
“With more than 1,000 people presenting to our EDs with flu-like illness last week I encourage those who are yet to receive their jab to take advantage of the 17 July extension.”
“Getting a flu jab only takes a few minutes, but those minutes could mean the difference between you or a loved one ending up incredibly unwell this flu season.”
Mr Provest said the latest data revealed only one in four children aged under five has had a flu shot, while the figures are even lower for kids aged five to 15.
“These numbers are particularly concerning given in the last month, four times as many kids have been admitted to Sydney’s two children’s hospitals with flu than with COVID-19,” Mr Provest said.
Comparatively, less than 40 per cent of 50 to 65 year olds and only 64 per cent of those aged over 65 have received a flu jab.
“I urge all members of the Tweed community to take advantage of this extension and for families to use the school holidays to book in for a free flu shot with their GP or pharmacist,” Mr Provest said.
For flu vaccine uptake figures by age group and local government area, click here.
Find out more about how to protect yourself from the flu at nsw.gov.au/flu.