Not taking any chances … Dr Robyn Ogle vaccinates CTC employee Erica Pukallus; next in line are Erica’s children Dayna, 13; Shaun, 12; and Jemma, 5 

April 19, 2014

The flu season is just around the corner – and predictions are that it could be a bad one.

Dr Penny Hutchinson, from the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, said the flu was highly contagious and potentially serious disease.

“Many people believe they are too healthy to get the flu, but anyone can get it and make their friends and family sick,” she said.

“That’s why it’s important for all people to get vaccinated.”

She said early indicators predicted a particularly severe flu season in 2014.

“Already this year in Queensland we have seen hospitalisations from the flu,” she said.

She said people aged between 20 and 64 years had been identified as the group most likely to succumb to the flu this year.

South Burnett CTC is taking no chances with its workforce.

It has made sure its employees are ready for the flu season by offering them the opportunity to receive free vaccinations.

Dr Robyn Ogle, at the new Bunya Pines surgery in Haly Street, Kingaroy, has vaccinated more than 37 CTC staff over the past two weeks in a special program run in conjunction with the not-for-profit organisation.

Some of the employees took the opportunity to bring along their family members to also have shots.