Influenza vaccination is free to people who are at increased risk of influenza complications, including:
-65 years of age and over and under 5 years of age
-Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
-Indigenous people 15 years of age and over -Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
-Any person 6 months of age and over with a chronic condition predisposing to severe influenza illness that requires regular medical follow-up or hospitalisation such as: cardiac disease, respiratory disease including severe asthmatics, kidney disease, diabetes, impaired immunity, neuromuscular disease
About influenza vaccine – Influenza viruses change frequently, therefore the influenza vaccine is usually updated every year (depending on the circulating strains). Having an influenza vaccine every year in Autumn is recommended, particularly for those in the high risk groups. Protection develops about two weeks after being given the injection and lasts up to a year, which makes it important to be vaccinated every year.