2019 Flu Vaccines Now Available!
Notifications of confirmed influenza have been much higher so far this year (2019) compared to the same period last year (2018). So now is a very good time to think about getting a flu shot.
Vaccination is your best chance to not only protect yourself but also those around you that may not qualify for the influenza vaccine (such as newborn babies)
Timing is everything in regards to gaining the most benefit from your immunisation. In Australia, typically flu season runs from June to September, peaking in August. Most people will begin to develop immunity 2 – 3 weeks after their flu shot, however, it provides the best protection against the flu within 3 – 4 months which is why now is the time to get vaccinated!
You may be eligible for a free vaccination if you are:
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Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (aged 6 months or older)
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Over 65 years of age
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Pregnant
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Children 6 months up to and including 4 years of age
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A person suffering from a chronic illness aged between 5 – 64 yrs (e.g diabetics and asthmatics)
Blacksmiths Family Medical Practice currently has private vaccines available at the cost of $15.
We strongly advise that you follow our Facebook page for continuous updates – please note, we cannot take bookings through Facebook, but our lovely reception staff will be happy to arrange an appointment with one of our wonderful nurses. We can be reached on (02) 4971 4044
If you would like to know more about if you qualify for a free vaccine, our friendly practice nurses and GP’s would be happy to answer your questions.
​Gynaecological Cancer Awarness Month
September marks “International Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month”. Every two hours an Australian woman is diagnosed with some form of Gynaecological cancer and every five hours one of them dies. With these statistics projected to rise by 2020, Dr. Brianna Joseph and Blacksmiths Family Medical Practice are committed to supporting medical research related to all gynaecological cancers.
For the whole month of September 2019, we will be working hard to encourage our patients and visitors to donate to the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation. AGCYF are the only Australian foundation focused purely on funding research into all gynaecological cancers and have an overall aim to find new ways to screen, treat and conquer gynae cancers.
As an additional initiative, Blacksmiths Family Medical Practice will pledge $10 for every cervical screening test that is performed at our practice for the month of September 2019.
Dr. Brianna Joseph is passionate about women's health and is currently available for appointments. If you have any concerns about your current state of health or are due for a cervical screen we strongly encourage you to call the practice and book an appointment.
If you would like to know more about the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation please click here or if you would like to donate online, please click here