Protecting our community this winter starts in primary care

As we head into winter, primary health providers across the North Coast play a critical role in protecting our community from seasonal respiratory illness and managing increased demand.

Now is the time to ensure your practice is prepared. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations remain the most effective way to reduce severe illness, particularly for older adults, young children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions.

Consider activating recall and reminder systems to support timely vaccination uptake among your priority patients.

With increased presentations expected, reviewing your practice’s approach to respiratory symptoms, triage, and infection prevention can help minimise disruption and protect both staff and patients. Ensuring vaccine stock levels are adequate, staff are up to date with recommended vaccinations, and high-risk patients are proactively identified will support a smoother winter period.

Key information for immunisation providers:

• Influenza vaccination is key to reducing severe illness, hospitalisation and death
• From April 2026, free vaccines are available under the National Immunisation Program for these priority groups:
  • Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
  • Older adults – people aged 65 years and over
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  • Pregnant women, older adults, and those at increased risk
  • People aged 6 months and over with conditions increasing the risk of serious influenza complications, like heart, lung, or kidney disease, chronic neurological conditions, impaired immunity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, haematological disorders,  or children aged 5 to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy.

 

From April 2026, NSW Health is offering free FluMist nasal spray vaccinations for children aged 2-4 years as a needle-free alternative to the flu shot.

Adhere to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ and ensure NSW Health Cold Chain protocols are followed, especially as deliveries increase, as stated on the NSW Health website.

The Winter Respiratory Vaccination Toolkit is available to assist providers with managing the roll-out and implementation of your influenza vaccination program.

Remember all vaccinations must be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).