29 May 2022
In a first for our state, South Australians will be able to receive free flu shots.
The offer is available until the end of June and the Malinauskas Labor Government is hoping it will ease pressure on the state’s hospitals.
The free jabs will be funded via a subsidy scheme for GPs and pharmacists.
During this time, GPs and pharmacists will also be able to administer flu vaccinations to children as young as five. Previously they were administering vaccinations to children aged 10 and above.
South Australia immunity levels against the flu are at a low level after consecutive flu-free winters.
This year there have been 1,195 confirmed cases of influenza in South Australia compared with 12 cases for the same period last year.
About 30 per cent of South Australians have received their influenza vaccination since March.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said at the last state election, he would do everything he could do to ease pressure on South Australia’s hospital system.
“The dual challenge of broad community spread of COVID-19 and influenza at the same time during winter threatens to put further pressure on a hospital system already facing significant demand,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“We must do everything we can to ensure as many South Australians as possible are immunised against both COVID and influenza to ease pressure on our hospitals.”