28 May 2018
Two free pop-up flu clinics will be running at Bunnings stores in Melbourne’s west and north to help encourage men and their families to get vaccinated ahead of flu season.
Health data shows we need to do more to get people vaccinated during flu season, especially vulnerable population groups. In our region this includes middle-aged men, who are some of the least likely groups of people to get vaccinated.
The clinics will be at Bunnings Altona on Saturday 2 June, and Bunnings Broadmeadows on Sunday 3 June. Both clinics will run between 10am and 2pm.
The clinics are a partnership between North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network, the Immunisation Coalition and Vaccin8@work, and are funded by the Victorian Government.
Vaccines had already been allocated to the Bunnings clinics before the Victorian Government’s announcement last Friday that all remaining flu vaccines would be reserved for vulnerable populations.
Because of the unprecedented demand, we can only vaccinate people age 18 years and over. If you want to vaccinate someone under 18, please call your local GP, community health centre or pharmacist to see if they have stock and make an appointment. More vaccine is on its way and there is still time to vaccinate.
Two further Bunnings clinics and clinics at homeless centres and community health services are also planned, dependent on vaccine supplies becoming available.
NWMPHN CEO Adjunct Associate Professor Christopher Carter said last year’s bad flu season shows just how important it is to get protected.
“The stats show most men don’t plan to get a flu shot this year. But it doesn’t matter how fit, healthy or strong you are – the flu can put anyone on their back for a week, or even land you in hospital,” A/Prof Carter said.
“That’s why we’re bringing flu clinics to Bunnings this year, to make it as easy to get your flu shot as it is to grab a sausage from the sizzle.”
Bookings for the flu clinics are available below, and are highly recommended given the likely level of demand and limited stock available.
Bunnings Altona clinic
Saturday 2 June: 10am-2pm
Book here – http://uqr.to/brd6
Bunnings Broadmeadows clinic
3 June 2018: 10am – 2pm
Book here – http://uqr.to/brd8
