Get the flu jab before winter

If you don't receive the flu vaccine this year, you are putting yourself at risk says, local doctor Chris Rohrbach.

Since March 1, doctors have been allowed to administer free flu vaccines to those with special medical conditions and those over the age of 65.

Central Medical doctor Chris Rohrbach said this vaccine protects you from three strands, including a strand of swine flu.

It takes two weeks to be fully immunised and it lasts for six months.

Dr Rohrbach said children can also have the flu vaccine.

"If you don't get it, your child is at a huge risk," he said.

"It is a bit of a myth that children can't receive them."

Nurse Claire Robertson said people had started asking about the jabs in January.

"People are perhaps a bit more aware of it,' she said.

For those who aren't eligible for the free vaccine, the cost is $28.

Dr Rohrbach said many employers are paying for their staff to receive the vaccine to decrease sick leave taken by staff.

Those who believe they have influenza are asked to stay away from medical centres and ring their GP for advice.

"We don't want to see people in here with the flu," he said.

"You put other people at risk."

Dr Rohrbach said now is the perfect time to get the vaccine, before the temperature begins to drop.

"Do it now," he said.