- The main way of topping up and maintaining protection against both the flu and COVID-19 is through vaccination.
- The new COVID-19 boosters help protect against the original strain of COVID-19 & the Omicron variants.
- All adults can get a booster if it’s been 6 months or more since your last COVID-19 vaccine or since you’ve had COVID-19, whichever was most recent.
In the lead up to winter season here in Australia, many people with disability start to think about the risks that some of us face with two very contagious respiratory illnesses circulating in the community, influenza (flu) and COVID-19.
According to the World Health Organization, the five ways to protect yourself from the flu or COVID-19 are:
1. Get vaccinated
2. Wash your hands regularly
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
4. Avoid being around sick people
5. If you don’t feel well, stay home
The main way of topping up and maintaining protection against both is through vaccination. Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting our health against air-borne illnesses before we come into contact with them.
The flu vaccine (the flu shot) is free to people over 65 years of age, people with serious health conditions, pregnant women and Aboriginal people from 6months of age. The COVID-19 vaccine or booster is free to everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.
As an adult with disability, if it’s been six months or longer since you received a COVID-19 vaccination or had COVID-19, it’s a good idea to get a booster now. This is basically a top up with the latest COVID-19 vaccine and one of the best ways to maintain your protection against severe illness.
If you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments, talk to your doctor so you can access them quickly if you test positive. At any time, you can also choose to wear masks in public areas, such as in crowded indoor areas such as public transport, lifts and other high traffic areas to help protect your health.
It’s easy and free to get vaccinated from your local health professional, GP or pharmacist. If you have any questions about COVID-19 call the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance.