Announcements

FLU VACCINATION:

Private Flu vaccines are now available.

Government Flu vaccines are expected to be available from mid-April. People over 65 years are eligible for this vaccine, as are people with the following medical conditions:

2024 NIP-funded eligibility

· Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years· Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy

· First Nations people aged 6 months and over

· People aged 65 years and over· People aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions. Refer to medical conditions below.

Medical Conditions

Category	Example medical conditions
Cardiac disease	Congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease
Chronic respiratory condition	Suppurative lung disease, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic emphysema, severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or the use of multiple medicines)
Immunocompromising condition	HIV infection, malignancy, immunocompromise due to disease or treatment, asplenia or splenic dysfunction, solid organ transplant, haematopoietic stem cell transplant, CAR T-cell therapy
Haematological disorder	Haemoglobinopathies
Chronic metabolic disorder	Type 1 or 2 diabetes, amino acid disorders, carbohydrate disorders,cholesterol biosynthesis disorders, fatty acid oxidation defects, lactic acidosis, mitochondrial disorders, organic acid disorders, urea cycle disorders, vitamin/cofactor disorders, porphyria
Chronic kidney disease	Chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5
Chronic neurological condition	Hereditary and degenerative CNS diseases, seizure disorders, spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disorders, conditions which increase respiratory infection risk
Long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years	These children are at increased risk of Reye’s syndrome following influenza infection

OTHER VACCINES

A vaccine against shingles (Shingrix) is available for people over 65 years (2 doses 2 to 6 months apart) and a pneumonia vaccine (Prevenar 13) is available at no cost for people aged 70 years.

An appointment for these vaccines can be made via HotDoc, by clicking on the link above, or by calling reception on 9749-6777.

DR SAEED CHENARI

Dr Saeed Chenari commenced working at Hogans Road Medical Centre on December 5th, 2023. Appointments can be made by ringing reception on 9749-6777, via the HotDoc app or clicking the above link.