FREE INFLUENZA VACCINATION DAY: Friday 28 April
Influenza (flu) is not simply a ‘bad cold’; it can result in serious health complications, which may lead to hospitalisation and even death, and is caused by a different virus to the common cold.
The Immunisation Coalition (IC) is conducting a FREE Flu Vaccination Day for people 18 to 64 years of age as part of Immunisation Action Week (IAW):
Date: Friday 28 April
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where:
- Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
- Brisbane: The Micah Project, Park Hotel, 551 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane
- Melbourne: Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne
- Sydney: Embassy Conference Centre, 824-826 George Street, Chippendale
Immunisation Action Week, which coincides with World Immunisation Week, is a national awareness program focused on highlighting the importance of vaccination, especially in a world susceptible to pandemics. All information provided by the IC during IAW is drawn from the latest medical and scientific evidence.
The free vaccination event started 11 years ago in Melbourne. Sydney was added in 2021, and for the first time, the free vaccination event will also operate in Brisbane.
This year, the IC is working with the Micah Project, which is providing a clinic at the Park Hotel in Brisbane for vulnerable populations, managed by St Vincent de Paul with Micah Project nurses onsite from 9.00 am until 2.00 pm.
Many Australians underestimate the severity of influenza and its impact on their health regardless of age. According to the Australian Department of Health and Aging there were almost 27,500 confirmed flu cases as of 21 April 2023, which surpasses the number of pre-COVID flu cases recorded in the same period of 2020 (20,358). It is important to build up immunity to protect Australia’s vulnerable communities.
Special guests will be attending each location and will be available for interview.
BRISBANE
- The Hon Yvette D’Ath – Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services 10 to 11 am
- Professor Paul Griffin, infectious diseases physician and Director of Immunisation Coalition – 10 to 11 am
- Mr Kim Sampson, CEO Immunisation Coalition – 10 am to 12 pm
- Ms Paige Preston, senior manager, policy advocacy and prevention, Lung Foundation Australia – 10.00 to 11.00 am
- Ms Karyn Walsh, CEO Micah Projects – 10 to 11 am
MELBOURNE
- Ms Sally Capp, Lord Mayor of Melbourne – 10 to 10.30 am
- Associate Professor Lou Irving, respiratory physician and member of the Immunisation Coalition – 10 to 11 am
- Ms Leanne Boase, president of Australian College of Nurse Practitioners – 10 to 11 am
SYDNEY
- Professor Dominic Dwyer, virologist and member of the Immunisation Coalition – 10 to 11 am
- Ms Karen Booth, president of Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association – APNA – 10 to 11am
Dr Rodney Pearce AM, chairman of the Immunisation Coalition, highlights the importance of vaccination stating that: “It’s never too early to get your flu shot, and keeping up to date with all of your vaccinations ensures you have the best chance of being protected against preventable infectious diseases.”
Kim Sampson, CEO of the Immunisation Coalition says, “The viruses circulating during the Australian influenza season may include a combination of influenza, COVID-19 and even Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), so it’s really important to talk to your GP about how best to protect yourself.”
Mark Brooke, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia added, “Immunisation is the best protection against influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19 and at Lung Foundation Australia we see every day how it’s particularly important for groups with increased risk of complications especially children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those who are already immunosuppressed, pregnant women and older Australians.
“Vaccinations, good hand hygiene and keeping yourself at home if you are under the weather are key to saving lives this flu season.”
Karyn Walsh, CEO of Micah Projects says, “The Immunisation Coalition’s pop-up influenza vaccination days have proven success in bringing healthcare directly to vulnerable people. This pop-up clinic is so important at this time of year as we come into peak flu season.”
Influenza vaccines are free for people considered to be at risk of complications. This includes pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, children under the age of five, indigenous Australians, and those with serious underlying health conditions.
About Immunisation Coalition
Immunisation Coalition is the leading voice in whole-of-life immunisation in Australia, protecting all Australians against communicable diseases. It is highly respected by healthcare practitioners (HCP’s) and provides evidence-based information to all Australians. www.immunisationcoalition.org.au
