Hundreds of people are planned to be immunised against the flu in Monash as part of an initiative funded by Eastern Melbourne PHN (EMPHN) and delivered by LINK Health and Community to help protect our most vulnerable from influenza, which effected 36,118 Victorians in 2017.
The mobile immunisation service will visit communities vulnerable to influenza that may otherwise not become vaccinated against the virus due to access or cost, such as people who are pregnant, older, homeless, experience mental health issues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, refugees and asylum seekers, children and carers.
Member for Chisholm, Julia Banks MP, said in Monash alone there were 145 episodes of influenza hospital admissions in 2015-16 and many more people were adversely effected.
“I encourage everyone in Chisholm to get their annual flu shot as I did,” she said.
“More than 4.5 million Aussies most at risk of getting sick can access the vaccine for free.
LINK Health and Community CEO, Philip Moran, said providing this potentially lifesaving service to the people of Monash is a great gift to the community.
“Services have started and further information can be provided by contacting us on our dedicated phone line 1800 FLU VAX or 1800 358 829,” he said.
The initiative also aims to raise awareness on the importance of immunisation.
The service is based on an initiative EMPHN implemented in 2017 that saw almost more than 500 people from vulnerable communities in the City of Whittlesea immunised alongside an immunisation education program reaching 1200 people.
EMPHN’s $348,000 investment will see the initiative rolled-out in the local government areas of Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges within the EMPHN catchment.
The initiative is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN program.
Eastern Melbourne PHN is a Primary Health Network funded by the Australian Government to improve the care and support people receive from health services. We aim to improve the health of our community by ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. www.emphn.org.au