AS the state sees flu cases exceed 20,000, the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service is urging the public to get vaccinated to help stop the spread this flu season.
Between January 1 and April 6, 2025, New South Wales has reported 20,350 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, even before ‘flu season’ begins.
Influenza symptoms may include fever and chills, a sore throat and cough, runny nose, muscle and joint aches and pains, headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting and more.
To assist in slowing the spread, Dr Shannon Nott, the Royal Flying Doctor’s South Eastern Section’s medical officer, encouraged good hand hygiene and flu vaccinations.
“Getting your flu vaccine is the best way you can protect not just yourself, but your loved ones, colleagues, neighbours – anyone who you come into close contact with,” he said.
“The flu virus strain is constantly changing, so the flu shot you had last year won’t necessarily protect you from future strains.
“This is why we encourage everyone to get annual vaccinations, ideally at the start of the flu season, to stay protected.”
The RFDSSE is offering flu vaccinations to patients in their service areas.
In line with the Federal Government’s National Immunisation Program, all eligible Australians can access a free flu vaccination.
Non-eligible patients can get a flu vaccination for a small fee. For RFDSSE’s non-eligible patients, this is $20.
Eligible patients include children aged six months to less than five years of age, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over six months and over, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people aged six months and over with medical risk conditions that put them at an increased risk of severe influenza.
If you’re an RFDSSE patient, contact your local clinic to make a booking.
