Council offers free flu shots for ‘at risk’ community members

With a crisp change fresh in the air, Gladstone Regional Council is offering its annual free influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations to ‘at risk’ residents in May, before the flu season begins.

Taking place on 8 May at Gladstone’s Senior Citizen Centre, ‘at risk’ residents include people who are 65 years of age and older, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders who are 15 years of age and older, pregnant women and people with medical risk factors.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said he encouraged those who are ‘at risk’ to take advantage of this free community program.

“Community members aged 65 years and older are more likely to suffer complications from the flu, as are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders aged six months to five years and 15 years or older,” Councillor Burnett said.

“The vaccine is important in protecting against the illness and the best time to receive it is in Autumn before the winter outbreak.”

Community members can register for this program at the Senior Citizens Centre, in person at any of the Gladstone Regional Council offices or by contacting Council on 4970 0700.