In a normal flu season, the RACGP advises people to wait until May to receive their flu vaccination, but with the spread of COVID-19, this is not a normal season.
“The last thing we want to see is patients infected with both influenza and COVID-19,” said Dr Nespolon.
“Receiving the flu vaccine won’t protect you from COVID 19, but it will help to reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza.”
Corowa Medical Centre has received the first delivery of its 2020 flu vaccines. There are further flu vaccines on the way as more vaccines than usual have been ordered by the centre to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be vaccinated this year.
As social distancing continues to be an important way to stop the spread of viruses, Corowa Medical Centre has put some special procedures in place.
“We are holding flu clinics from Health One (Community Health),” Practice Manager Kristen Mann told The Free Press.
“To keep you safe, we ask that you arrive at your allotted time and not early. We will have staff ensuring that all people follow strict social distancing practices, maintaining 1.5 metres between people at all times.
“As per government guidelines we have invited our most at-risk members of the community to have their vaccines first. We are now taking bookings for our next delivery of vaccines. Go online to corowamed.com.au to book your vaccine appointment.”
Who is eligible for a free flu vaccine?
Children aged six months to five years (this is new in 2020)
Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
People aged 65 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
People aged six months and over with medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of flu complications (for example, those with diabetes, severe asthma, lung or heart disease).
Telephone and Video Consultations with your GP
Corowa Medical Centre doors are still open but the centre supports social distancing and isolation, and asks you only to leave your home if you need to. Staff will continue to offer telephone or video consultations; the friendly reception team will let you know how to use these platforms.
With the weather is cooling off, if you are coming to see your GP at the Medical Centre, please do not arrive early. Please arrive at your appointment time to avoid having too many people in the waiting areas at once.
It is important before you come to see your GP, for a usual appointment or a flu vaccination that you let Corowa Medical Clinic know if you have any flu like symptoms, so you can be provided with some special instructions on how to keep you and the community safe.