The chilly days of winter are approaching and with them, the annual flu season.
A community member receives their free influenza vaccination
Far more serious than the common cold, influenza may last for more than a week and can include fever and chills, cough, runny nose, joint pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Influenza is highly contagious and for some people, can lead to a severe and life-threatening illness.
The 2024 flu vaccine is available now and offers the best protection from the flu virus this season.
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Victor Carey says getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
"Your yearly flu vaccine offers the best protection against getting really sick. I encourage everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter by getting vaccinated against flu-related illness."
Some people are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza and are eligible for a free flu vaccine:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal people aged 6 months and over
- Anyone aged 65+
- People with serious health conditions.
To help protect our community against flu, the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Heath District Immunisation team from the Public Health Unit will be hosting influenza vaccination clinics for the community throughout the District.
"If you can't make it to our community clinics, everyone aged five years and older can get vaccinated at their general practice or local pharmacy," says Victor.
NBMLHD community flu vaccination clinics
No appointment necessary
Thursday 18 April
Village Café, North St Marys - 4 Wattle Ave, North St Marys
09:30am - 11:30am
Wednesday 1 May
Hawkesbury's Helping Hands - Unit E/28 Walker St, South Windsor
11:00am - 1:30pm
Wednesday 1 May
Mootang Tarimi Bus, Koolyangarra Aboriginal Child and Family Centre - 1 Kington Pl, Cranebrook
10:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday 2 May
Mootang Tarimi Bus, Koori Café at Lithgow Hospital - Col Drewe Drive, Lithgow
10:00am - 12:00pm
Friday 3 May (to be confirmed)
Mootang Tarimi Bus, Mad Mob Aboriginal Corporation - 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave
10:00am - 12:00pm
Wednesday 8 May
Mootang Tarimi Bus, Aboriginal Cultural & Resource Centre, Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre - 9 New St, Lawson
10:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday 9 May
Village Café, Kingswood - Wainwright Park (pending fine weather) or Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre, Bringelly Road, Kingswood
09:30am - 11:30am
Thursday 16 May
Village Café, North St Marys - 4 Wattle Ave, North St Marys
09:30am - 11:30am
Thursday 23 May
Village Café, Llandilo - Community Hall 257c Seventh Abe, Llandilo
09:30am - 11:30am
Tuesday 28 May
Mootang Tarimi Bus, Wallanmarra Art Group, Belong Blue Mountains - 81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba
01:00pm - 03:00pm
Friday 31 May
Mootang Tarimi Bus, Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation, 51-57 Henry St, Penrith 10:00am - 12:00pm
Tuesday 18 June (to be confirmed)
NAIDOC Cup, Hunter Fields, Emu Plains
09:00am - 01:00pm
Friday 12 July (to be confirmed)
NAIDOC Week event, Jamison Park. Penrith
10:00am - 03:00pm
For more information on influenza and the flu vaccine, visit health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory
