Victoria expected to announce major flu jab change

The state government is expected to announce free flu shots for all Victorians.

The Herald Sun reports the announcement will be made this week.

Victorian president of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Roderick McRae, is urging everyone to get vaccinated against the flu to ease the strain on the hospital system.

“This is a very serious disease and in our circumstances, as we’re entering winter with the hospital system essentially full, it’s very important that we minimise the opportunity for anybody to get a nasty illness,” he told Ross and Russel.

Dr McRae says there are two influenza a strains circulating at the moment, and they are particularly serious for children.

He urged anyone who’s recently had the flu to receive a vaccine to protect themselves against strains they have not had.

“The issue is there are two influenza a viruses going around,” Dr McRae said.

“It’s a very safe vaccine. It’s produced in Melbourne and it’s certainly recommended that everybody has it,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the flu outbreak and why the vaccine is so important