Call to get flu jab

Tara Murray

A western suburbs pharmacist is calling on people to get their flu vaccines with winter nearly upon us.

Watergardens’ Priceline’s Nicole Bradley said there had been a concerning drop in the number of people getting the flu vaccine this year.

“Last year we had thousands of people come in,” she said. “Last season there was barely any flu.

“This year people seem a bit hesitant. It’s been very poor compared to last year. There’s been a big drop.

“Now as we are moving around more and there’s more travel, getting vaccines is more important.”

Ms Bradley said people should get the flu vaccine every year, with influenza causing death in some elderly people.

Watergardens’ Priceline has pharmacists working seven days a week who can do the injections.

“The peak time for the flu is the winter months,” Ms Bradley said.

“It takes a couple of weeks to fully work in the body.”

Ms Bradley said it was important to remember that the flu vaccine and COVID vaccines needed to be taken two weeks apart.