THE COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine serve two different purpose, making it vital that those eligible get both this year.
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The reminder comes as Bathurst's general practitioners are commencing the rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19.
Dr Caroline Renko will start vaccinating next month, but she said this year's flu vaccine is already available.
There was a lot of interest in the flu vaccine last year, and Dr Renko hopes it is a trend that will continue as the forecast is for a difficult flu season.
"They're predicting that it's going to be a difficult year for the influenza because last year was a very quiet one because of lockdowns keeping everyone staying inside and people were very cautious, but people might slacken off this year," she said.
"And, also, with the coronavirus vaccinations available, people might put the flu on the backburner.
"... Last year we had a very good take-up of the flu vaccine and I think it's because people were worried about coronavirus, but there was also very good awareness in the public about hand hygiene and social distancing, so we actually didn't see anywhere near as many coughs and colds."
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People who would like to get the flu vaccine can make appointments with their GP now.
Dr Renko said some members of the community can get the vaccine for free, including people over the age of 65, children aged six months to five years, and people five to 64 who have an underlying health condition.
People over the age of 65 will receive a slightly stronger vaccine.
While eligible people are encouraged to get both the flu vaccine and the coronavirus vaccine, Dr Renko said it was important for people to not get them too close together.
"The flu vaccination has to be given two weeks either side of the coronavirus vaccine, either the first dose or the second does, or possibly more," she said.
"Some people will get the flu injection from the chemist. It's important for them to record the date that they've had it, because if they then attend to their regular GP for their coronavirus one, it's important that they're not getting the coronavirus one within two weeks."
Dr Renko will administer the COVID-19 vaccine from April 9. New patients will need to have an assessment before they can book an appointment for the vaccine.
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