The Turnbull Government will provide free flu vaccines to over three million Australians aged 65 years and over.
Andrew Hastie praised the decision for its impact on the health of all Australian communities.
“Vaccinations are vital to personal and public health,” Mr Hastie said.
“To protect the most vulnerable in our community the Coalition government has made these new flu vaccines free to Australians over the age of 65.
“I encourage all those eligible to get their shots before the flu season begins.”
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This is a direct response to last year’s horrific flu season, which had an impact around the world, and aimed squarely at saving lives.
More than 90 per cent of the 1100 flu related deaths in 2017 were by people aged over 65 years of age.
Under the National Immunisation Program, those eligible for a free flu shot include people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who suffer from chronic conditions.
Last year more than 4.5 million doses of the influenza vaccine were provided at no cost to Australians who were most at risk from the flu.
These vaccines have been specifically made for the elderly, as their immune systems respond less effectively to vaccines.
Annual vaccination is the most important measure for preventing influenza and its complications and all Australians are encouraged to get vaccinated.
From April 2018, two new vaccines will be available through the National Immunisation Program following a recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
The Turnbull Government and the chief medical officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, have worked to bring two new flu vaccines to Australia for the first time.
The vaccines have been fast-tracked to ensure lives are saved and that older Australians receive greater protection.
These new vaccines – Fluad and Fluzone High Dose – were registered in Australia to specifically provide increased protection for people aged 65 years and older.
These new trivalent (three strain) vaccines work in over 65s by generating a strong immune response and are more effective for this age group in protecting against influenza.
