23-March-2006
Goldstein Media Releases, Health
All Bayside residents aged 65 years or over are now eligible to receive their free flu and pneumococcal vaccinations for 2006.
“The Government is committed to helping protect older Australians from the flu and pneumococcal disease by once again offering free vaccinations to the over 65’s” said Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein.
Older people are more vulnerable to pneumococcal disease and influenza, and these diseases which can lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses are most prevalent in winter and can be fatal to older Australians.
“With winter and the cold and flu season approaching a vaccination is a simple and safe method of protecting elderly residents from potentially life threatening illnesses.”
“I strongly encourage elderly Bayside residents to take up this free vaccinations.”
A prescription is not needed to get the vaccinations, older Australians simply need to visit their doctor or immunisation provider and ask for the free vaccination.
In 1996 the Australian Government expenditure on vaccines was $13 million. Vaccine expenditure by the Howard Government in 2004-2005 was $285 million, which is a 22-fold increase.
Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567