Public immunisation sessions

Over the COVID-19 period there has been lower exposure to influenza virus and lower levels of influenza vaccine coverage compared to previous years.

During the winter, and currently increasing number of COVID cases and hospitalisations, it is even more important to get your annual vaccination against flu this year.

The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination. Annual vaccination should ideally occur before the onset of each flu season. This is usually from June to September in most parts of Australia but may be atypical this year. Vaccinating from April provides protection before the peak season.

Council offers free flu vaccines for the following persons:

• children aged 6 months to 4 years and 11 months
• persons above the age of 65 years and over
• pregnant women (any stage of pregnancy)
• persons aged from 6 months who have certain medical conditions which increase the risk of influenza disease complications; such as, severe asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months of age.

Book the flu vaccine 2022 (while stock lasts).

The (non-funded) flu vaccine is $28 per dose.

Please note, if you are currently eligible and planning to have your COVID-19 vaccine or booster, ATAGI has advised that the flu vaccine can be co-administered (on the same day) with a COVID-19 vaccine. There may be a slight increase in mild to moderate symptoms following the vaccine.

On the day

Please bring your child’s Medicare Card and Child Health Record to the session. 

After immunisation

Please remain at the venue for 15 minutes following your vaccination for observation. If a reaction to a vaccine occurs, or persists for a long time, please contact your GP or nearest hospital. 

Important vaccine age limitations

• 6 week immunisations cannot be given even one day early.
• 4 month immunisations cannot be given before your child is 4 months old.
• 4 and 6 month immunisations must have an eight week gap between them.
• 12 month immunisations are recommended for 12 months of age. 
• 4 year old immunisations are due on or after a child’s fourth birthday.

Please be aware that if you present to a session when your child is not at the correct age, we may be unable to immunise your child.

Overseas vaccinations and catch up schedules

Please contact Council’s Immunisation Services team prior to booking an immunisation session if:

• Your child has been immunised overseas.
• Your child has missed vaccinations and requires a catch up schedule.

Council does not provide travel vaccinations or advice on travel vaccinations. If immunisations are required for travel purposes, please contact your GP.

Fees for service vaccines

Council also provides the following vaccines on a fee for service basis:

• Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Chickenpox
• Seasonal Influenza
• Meningococcal B  

Payment must be made via eftpos, as cash is not available at our immunisation sessions.

Before attending an immunisation session

• A fitted face mask must be worn. Further information on wearing a mask and the exemptions can be found on the DHHS website.

• Do not attend if you or a family member is unwell, especially with any symptoms of COVID-19 including a fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss or change in sense of smell or taste.
• Do not attend while awaiting results of a COVID-19 test, 
• Do not attend the session if you are in a 7-day isolation period.

 You will be asked to confirm the above statements when you arrive at your session.

Respect health care setting requirements when attending a session

• Only bring the necessary family members to the appointment (ie. one parent or guardian per child).
• Do not enter the immunisation venue until your appointment time.
• Hand sanitiser will be available at the entrance and sign in desk for you to use.
• Clients 8 years and older must wear a face mask (unless an exemption applies)

Follow good hygiene by

• Using hand sanitiser on arrival. 
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow during coughing or sneezing.
• Disposing of used tissues in a bin. 
• Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds..

Council is not able to offer COVID vaccine at this time. To find out where to get a COVID vaccine, please visit: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine