Kimberley residents urged to get vaccinated as flu cases rise

Kimberley residents are being urged to roll up once again – this time for their flu shot as influenza cases increase across the region.

According to Kimberley Public Health Physician Dr Pippa May, after two years of low influenza rates because of State’s closed border, the region has already seen more than 500 cases so far this year.

“Seasonal influenza is a common and highly contagious virus which can cause serious illness,” Dr May said.

“Sometimes the seriousness of influenza is downplayed as just being the flu, but particularly with our most vulnerable, influenza is a serious and potentially life-threatening virus.”

While the flu can circulate all year round in the tropics, Kimberley locals are at most risk during the dry season (April to October) and Dr May said the best way to keep your community safe is by getting vaccinated.

“We’ve extended our free flu jab program for another month so the time is now if you want to protect yourself against serious illness,” she said.

You also don’t need to wait until after your COVID-19 booster shot to get vaccinated against the flu - they can now be administered at the same time.

WA Country Health Service is reminding the Kimberley to keep up the good habits they used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – including physical distancing, face masks and hand hygiene.

WA Country Health Service has established five of these community clinics across the Kimberley for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines for people 5 years and above –at Paspaley Plaza in Broome, Scott House in Derby, Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services in Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek Hospital in Halls Creek and at 96 Coolibah Drive (Kununurra Community Health-Ochre Centre) in Kununurra.

Children under five years of age can attend their local community health service for flu vaccine.

Aboriginal Medical Services, local pharmacists, remote clinics and GPs also provide flu vaccines.