HEALTH experts are urging the community to get vaccinated against the flu with the virus already taking a toll in the south-west.
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South West Medical Centre practice nurse Katrina Hoye said people had already been hospitalised with the flu in Warrnambool and said everybody should consider vaccinations.
“The more people who vaccinate the less it’s out there,” she said.
Mrs Hoye said some people were reluctant to get vaccinated, often using the excuse that they never got sick.
“I often say ‘it’s not about you’ it’s about protecting the community and the more vulnerable people in our community. They can still pass the bug on to people.
“The bug can travel up to one metre, such as through a sneeze, and can live on hard, non-porous surfaces and on other things like tissues and paper and on hands as well. It’s very contagious.”
South West Healthcare acting CEO Andrew Trigg got the jab yesterday and said the message was simple.
“The message is to just make an appointment with your doctor and get vaccinated,” he said.
Many people are eligible for the free government-supplied seasonal influenza vaccine, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months to under five years and over 15 years and people with chronic health problems.