Winter Strategy

The 2024 Influenza Immunisation Season has now commenced

Vaccination against influenza is important this year with the Australian community potentially more vulnerable to the virus.
With the easing of international and domestic public health measures arising from the COVID-19 global pandemic, a resurgence of influenza is expected in 2022, with the Australian community potentially more vulnerable to the virus this Winter.

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over (unless contraindicated). The National Immunisation Program (NIP) funds influenza vaccines for people most at risk.

Influenza Immunisation – available clinical resources for practices

The following clinical information and resources are available to support immunisation providers:

National Hand Hygiene Initiative factsheets

Three new NHHI factsheets have been designed to provide information on the importance of hand hygiene for patients and carers, children and carers, and mental health workers.

These new factsheets are available on the Commission’s website, along with other resources, including posters, presentations and videos, here.

Influenza Immunisation – available promotional resources for practices

As part of Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s (MPHN) Winter Strategy 2024, we have developed the following resources for participating general practices to use:

Social Media Tiles

ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has developed advice for immunisation providers regarding the administration of 2022 seasonal influenza vaccines.

It includes information about:

  • the influenza vaccines available for use in Australia in 2022, by age

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​influenza virus strains included in the 2022 seasonal influenza vaccines

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​timing of vaccination, including for travel and co-administration with COVID-19 vaccines

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​vaccination for pregnant women

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​eligibility for influenza vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of influenza complications.

Access here.

Latest winter strategy news

News
Simple hygiene habits help protect our most vulnerable
Simple hygiene habits help protect our most vulnerable

Some of the simplest habits remain the best for reducing your risk of becoming ill and spreading the flu virus and COVID-19 this winter.

Living with a medical condition? Make a health plan this flu season
Living with a medical condition? Make a health plan this flu season

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging people living with a serious health condition to make a health plan this flu season in case they become unwell.

Young children more at risk from flu
Young children more at risk from flu

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is calling on parents and carers to protect their children from the influenza virus by booking them in for a flu vaccination with their GP or pharmacist.

Flu season: it’s time to get vaccinated
Flu season: it’s time to get vaccinated

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging community members to book a flu vaccination with their GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Getting vaccinated helps protect both you and the people around you, especially those at risk of severe illness or complications if infected with the flu.

 

MPHN encouraging community to get ‘Winter ready’.
MPHN encouraging community to get ‘Winter ready’.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging everyone to prepare for this winter with a few key strategies to reduce the risk of the flu.

Reduce risk of seasonal flu
Reduce risk of seasonal flu

With flu vaccines now available from general practices and pharmacies, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging people to consider getting a flu shot this year to reduce their risk of contracting the seasonal flu this winter.

Get your flu shot as soon as possible
Get your flu shot as soon as possible

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging everyone to get their flu shot as soon as possible to reduce their risk of contracting the seasonal flu this winter.

Winter strategy launched in preparation for the flu season
Winter strategy launched in preparation for the flu season

Last night in Wagga Wagga a region-wide winter strategy was launched to address the increased demand on healthcare services in the winter months both in the community and in hospitals.

Preparing for the flu season
Preparing for the flu season

MPHN, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and other key stakeholders, including general practice and NSW Ambulance, are working together to better respond to the surge in healthcare demand over the winter period.