With winter fast approaching and respiratory illnesses including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increasing across the country, Australians are being urged to prepare early and protect their health.
Following the highest influenza case numbers recorded in the past five years last year, country music star Troy Cassar-Daley is backing the Australian Government’s ‘Get ready for winter. Get vaccinated’ campaign, encouraging mob to get vaccinated before winter sets in.
As part of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing campaign, Troy, a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, is encouraging First Nations Australians aged 50 years and over to speak with their doctor or health worker about which winter vaccinations are recommended for them.
Respiratory illnesses can have serious consequences, particularly for older Australians and those living with underlying health conditions. Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV can result in severe illness, hospitalisation, extended recovery periods and, in some cases, death.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to help protect against serious illness. It can reduce the risk of infection and lessen the severity of symptoms for those who do become unwell.
Troy says staying healthy means being able to continue showing up for family, community and work commitments.
“I spend so much time on the road and meeting people at gigs, and I can’t afford to get sick when I’m touring,” he says. “If I go down, everything stops. So for me, getting vaccinated is just part of staying strong and being able to keep doing the things that I love.
“As we get older, we’ve got to look after ourselves so we can keep showing up for our loved ones, our Elders and our communities.”
The campaign encourages Australians to act before winter peaks and to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.
Troy says keeping vaccinations current is an important step in staying protected against evolving viruses.
“Winter nasties like the flu and COVID-19 are always changing, which is why vaccines are updated to keep fighting them,” he says.
“Staying up to date with your vaccinations, especially if you’re a bit older like me, is one of the best ways we can all remain well and stay ahead of those winter nasties!
“It’s easy to put these things off, so get in early and have a yarn with your doctor or health worker, and make a plan to get vaccinated now,” he says.
Influenza vaccinations are free and recommended for First Nations people aged six months and over. COVID-19 vaccinations are free for all First Nations people and recommended for people aged 65 years and over. From 15 May, RSV vaccinations are free for First Nations people aged 60 years and over. People are encouraged to speak with their doctor or health worker about which vaccinations are suitable for them.
The campaign, featuring Troy in videos and posters, encourages mob to find out more at: https://www.health.gov.au/winter-vaccinations.