Getting your influenza (flu) vaccination each year is an important step in protecting yourself, our patients, and your colleagues. At Northern Health, vaccination remains a key part of maintaining safe environments across all services.

Influenza vaccination is mandatory for all Northern Health staff and volunteers. This requirement helps reduce the spread of influenza across our facilities and supports the delivery of safe, high-quality care to our community.

“As healthcare workers, we have a responsibility to protect those in our care, our colleagues, and our loved ones. Ensuring we are vaccinated against influenza is a simple but powerful way to reduce preventable harm and maintain a safe healthcare environment for everyone. Protect yourself, your patients, your family, and your colleagues – get vaccinated as early as possible,” said Barsha Baral, Manager, Infection Prevention and Surveillance, Northern Health.

How to get vaccinated

This year, flu vaccinations will be delivered by immunising nurses across both clinical and non-clinical areas. Staff can access the vaccine in the following ways:

Ward vaccinators
Available across inpatient and selected clinical areas.

Pop-up flu clinic – Northern Hospital Epping

• Location: Front area opposite Ward 21, Level 5
• Hours: 9.00am – 2.30pm
• Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Duration: 10 weeks (15 April – 20 June 2026)

These sessions are available for a limited time only. Staff are strongly encouraged to attend early to ensure timely vaccination.

Important information

• You will need to provide your Medicare number or Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) at the time of vaccination
• All vaccinations will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), in line with Department of Health requirements
• If you receive your flu vaccine externally, please email your evidence to staff.health@nh.org.au so your Northern Health record can be updated

Medical exemptions

Staff who have contraindications to the influenza vaccine are required to:

• Attend a face-to-face consultation with the Staff Health Nurse
• Provide a medical exemption letter outlining the contraindication

Community access

This year, influenza vaccinations will be available for Northern Health staff only. Vaccinations will continue to be provided to inpatients, antenatal patients, and outpatients.

Members of the community are encouraged to access their flu vaccination through their GP or local pharmacy.

For further information, please visit the Intranet.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Barsha Baral and Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Northern Health.