Until Wednesday's tragic announcement by the Western NSW Local Health District, we thought coronavirus deaths were only recorded in the big cities or overseas.

Sure, the virus had impacted nearly every facet of our lives and changed the way we work and interact with family and friends, but it had not yet turned deadly for our region. That's all changed, and now we must change as well. Again.

People who had been willing to take all those social distancing warnings with just the slightest grain of salt previously must now realise that they are rules, not guidelines. This virus is an unseen foe that can strike anyone, but sets its sights most fiercely on the most vulnerable within our community.

The reasonably young and healthy among us have a duty like never before to help protect the old and frail.

And now health experts have another request for us to consider.

Normally doctors advise their patients to wait until May to get the annual flu vaccine, but not this year.

It's a message that has been echoed the country's peak health bodies, including the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

They are urging patients to receive a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Because while there is not yet a vaccination for COVID-19, there is one for influenza.

And while every flu season is different, what is clear is that 2020 will definitely not be a "normal" season.

All measures to reduce the spread of flu and any further burden on the health system should be taken.

It is also about ensuring frontline staff are supported during the busiest times of the year. While the federal government has significantly increased the supply of flu vaccines. For those who are most vulnerable, vaccines need to be readily available.

For those not covered by the National Immunisation Program, vaccines need to be affordable. Because cost and accessibility should never be a deterrent for people seeking help.

But unfortunately, as is often the case in the health system, it will be.