May 6, 2016
The annual “Tackle Flu” vaccination clinic, run by the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, will visit Cherbourg on Monday, May 23.
For the past five years, clinics have been held across the south west, Darling Downs and South Burnett offering free flu vaccinations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over.
Dr Penny Hutchinson said this year’s campaign would target younger people who can sometimes be complacent about their health.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged between 15 and 24 years who receive their flu vaccine at the Tackle Flu clinic will receive a shirt designed by Wondai artist Barbara Stewart,” Dr Hutchinson said.
“Young people tend to think they are invincible and can’t get sick from the flu when in fact it can be very serious and even life-threatening.
“We want to encourage this age group to get their flu vaccine and get in the healthy habit of receiving it each and every year.”
Last year the Tackle Flu campaign vaccinated 1417 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but Dr Hutchinson hopes more people will be vaccinated this year.
“A lot of people don’t realise how serious the flu is and the complications that can occur,” Dr Hutchinson said.
“Members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait community are at a higher risk of developing these complications.
“The best protection against getting sick is to receive a flu vaccination.”
The “Tackle Flu Before It Tackles You” program is a partnership between the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, the South West Hospital and Health Service, Darling Downs West Moreton Primary Health Network and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.
