A pop-up staff flu vaccination clinic has been set up in the front foyer reception at Northern Hospital Epping for the convenience of our staff.

The clinic opened yesterday and will run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for the next four weeks. It will be open between 8 am to 4.30 pm each day, and no bookings are required.

Elisha O’Dowd, Manager Infection Prevention, said, “Getting the flu vaccination is the best way we can protect ourselves, our health service and our community from the flu.”

With staff having already received all required COVID-19 vaccines, the flu shot will provide extra protection against another virus. Anyone can be affected by the flu, and with little to no flu in circulation due to closed international borders and lockdowns brought on the by the pandemic, it is likely there will be more cases of influenza in 2022.

“There has been over 1,000 cases of the flu in Victoria so far this year, and we are expecting the numbers to rise during winter,” said Madelaine Flynn, Director Infection Prevention.

Yearly influenza vaccination is recommended for people aged six months and over. It is recommended by the Department of Health, that individuals receive their vaccine anytime from mid-April onwards, to ensure optimal protection during the flu season, typically between June and September. However, it is never too late to be vaccinated, as influenza can circulate in the community all year round.

Staff who are yet to receive their flu vaccination, are encouraged to receive their shot as soon as possible.

For more information, please visit the Intranet.

Featured image L-R: Kellie Farrugia, Staff Health Nurse and Madonna Sanchez, Nurse Unit Manager, COMET Clinic.