Talk to your doctor about vaccinations
This winter help protect your family from serious illness with a free flu vaccine.
The flu can be serious, especially for children, the elderly and those who have a weakened immune system.
Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get the annual flu vaccine.
Babies and toddlers need special protection from the flu, and the vaccine is just as important as other routine childhood vaccines. It helps protect them from the most common flu strains.
The vaccine protects you, your family, and the community. It also helps reduce the risk of severe illnesses and flu related complications. The vaccine is free for eligible priority groups.
Where to get vaccinated
You can get your flu vaccine from your local:
- Doctor (GP)
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
- Council immunisation service
- Pharmacists for ages 5 years and older.
Find a location close to you to get your flu vaccine.
Practise good hygiene to help stop the spread of illness
Wash your hands regularly.
Where hand washing isn’t available, use sanitiser.
Wet your hands
Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap.
Put soap on your hands
Apply soap and lather well for 20 seconds
Rub all parts of your hands until you have a thick lather
Rub hands together rapidly across all surfaces of your hands and wrists.
Don’t forget the backs of your hands, your wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Rinse your hands under running water
Rinse well under running water and make sure all traces of soap are removed.
Dry your hands thoroughly with a disposable paper towel or dryer
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
It is best to use paper towels (or single-use cloth towel).
Rest, stay hydrated, and manage mild illness at home
To look after yourself at home:
- Rest
- Stay at home
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Decongestants and simple pain relievers can help you feel better
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe vomiting
- Fever with a rash
Know where to get help and trusted health information
Going to the right place helps you get the right care without the wait time.
Speak with a pharmacist
Search online to find a pharmacy nearby
See your local doctor
Call 13SICK (13 7425) or visit your local doctor at a medical clinic.
Ring Nurse-on-call
24/7 call on 1300 60 60 24
Video call Victorian Virtual Emergency Department
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) provides video consultations with emergency clinicians. The service is free, no referral or medicare card required.
Visit an Urgent Care Clinic
You can visit Urgent Care Clinics across Victoria for immediate, non-life-threatening healthcare. No Medicare card, appointment, or GP referral is needed.
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