Roll up your sleeve this winter

(L-R) Graham Wilson, director, OHS, Jason Cirone, chief allied health officer, Siva Sivarajah, chief executive and Lisa Cox, chief Nursing and Midwifery officer.

As the cooler months approach, now is the time for our community to roll up their sleeves and boost their immunity with the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everybody aged six months and over, and is provided free to those most at risk from the flu and its complications.

It is recommended by the Department of Health that individuals receive their annual flu vaccine

from mid-April onwards to ensure protection against the flu when it is at its highest during the peak flu season, typically between June and September.

Northern Health chief executive Siva Sivarajah led by example and received his flu shot last week, he said getting vaccinated against influenza is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu this winter.

“It is that time of the year when we roll up our sleeves to protect ourselves, our community and our loved ones. The flu vaccine is our best defence in preparation for the winter season ahead,” he said.

Northern Health encourages community members to speak to their local GP, pharmacy or other immunisation provider about getting vaccinated against influenza, to help protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.