People aged 65 years and older are at high risk from influenza and pneumococcal disease and the complications of these diseases.
NATIONAL VACCINATION PROGRAM FOR OLDER AUSTRALIANS
People aged 65 years and older are at high risk from influenza and pneumococcal disease and the complications of these diseases, with the great majority of deaths from these conditions occurring in the 65 and over age group. In recognition of this, the Australian Government funds programs that provide free vaccine for older Australians in order to provide greater protection against these diseases.
National Pneumococcal Vaccination Program for Older Australians
In order to reduce the impact of pneumococcal disease, the National Pneumococcal Vaccination Program for Older Australians provides free pneumococcal vaccine to adults 65 years or over.
Adults aged 65 years or over are at higher risk of contracting pneumococcal disease than the rest of the population, with the majority of deaths from this disease occurring in this age group.
National Influenza Vaccine Program For Older Australians
People aged 65 years and older are at high risk from influenza and its complications, with the great majority of deaths from these conditions occurring in the 65 and over age group.
Acknowledging this serious situation, the Australian Government is attempting to provide greater protection against the flu for older people, by making flu vaccine available, free of charge, to older Australians.
How can I take advantage of the Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccination Programs?
To take advantage of the Programs, people aged 65 years or over should make an appointment for vaccination with their general practitioner or other immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine/s will be provided at no cost, however, a consultation fee may be payable to GPs who do not bulk bill.
For further information about the Programs, please contact your usual general practitioner or immunisation provider. Alternatively, you can contact the Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) on 07 3234 1500 . Additional information is also available from the Immunisation Infoline on 1800 671 811.
National Indigenous Pneumococcal and Influenza Immunisation Program
This program provides free vaccines, through community controlled Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), State/ Territory immunisation clinics and General Practitioners, for Indigenous people aged over 50 or at high risk.
Respiratory diseases are major causes of preventable sickness and death in the Indigenous community, with some Aboriginal communities having the highest incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in the world. The Program aims to reduce the rate of acute respiratory illness and death by increasing pneumococcal and influenza immunisation.
The target population (for both vaccines) is:
- all Indigenous people over 50 years; and
- Indigenous people in the 15-50 year age group who are in high risk groups according to the NHMRC recommendations
Immunisations are available through:
- Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Services
- State/ Territory Immunisation clinics
- General Practitioners
Where can I get more information about immunisation?
For more information about immunisation visit the Immunise Australia website at http://immunise.health.gov.au or call the Immunise Australia Information Line on 1800 671 811.
The information above was provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing from the Immunise Australia website.
