Regular COVID-19 vaccinations (also known as boosters) are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.
They are especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19.
As with all vaccinations, people are encouraged to discuss the vaccine options available to them with their health practitioner. You can also use the booster eligibility tool by clicking HERE to determine whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.
Booster dose recommendations
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Less than 5 years | 5 to 17 years | 18 to 64 years | 65 to 74 years | 75 years and older | |
Without severe immunocompromise | Not recommended | Not recommended | Eligible for a dose every 12 months | Recommended every 12 months and eligible for a dose every 6 months | Recommended every 6 months |
With severe immunocompromise | Not recommended | Eligible for a dose every 12 months | Recommended every 12 months and eligible for a dose every 6 months | Recommended every 12 months and eligible for a dose every 6 months | Recommended every 6 months |
With the upcoming flu season fast approaching us, it is our doctors’ advice that the optimum time for vaccination against influenza is April and May.
The Flu vaccine is free for those under 5 years of age, those over 65 years of age, and those over 6 months who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Bookings for our annual flu clinic will open in March 2025.
Please contact reception on (02) 6777 4293 for more information or to click HERE to view the NSW Health Influenza Fact Sheet.
Q-fever is a rare but serious bacterial illness. The bacterium (Coxiella burnettii) is highly infectious and can live for long periods in harsh environmental conditions. It spreads from infected animals to humans via inhalation of infected particles in the air. Cattle, sheep and goats are the main source of human infection. Most infected animals do not get sick, but they shed the bacterium in their urine, faeces, milk, wool and birth products which can subsequently contaminate the environment.
Acute Q fever infection appears 2 – 4 weeks after infection and symptoms may last up to 3 – 6 weeks. Chronic Q fever is serious and long-lasting disease occurring in up to 5% of acute Q-fever patients. It is caused by persistent infection in some body parts such as the heart valves, bones, liver etc. It may develop months or even years after the initial infection.
Q fever illness often results in total incapacity necessitating extensive time off work.
Most people recover fully and develop lifelong immunity to subsequent Q fever infection. Occasionally, people develop chronic Q fever infection lasting for several years with a range of health issues including heart problems. These complications are more common in pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems or existing heart conditions. About 10% of patients sick with acute Q fever subsequently develop chronic fatigue which can be very serious for years. Early treatment with antibiotics can get you better sooner and reduce your risk of long-term complications. It is important to seek medical advice early if you think you may have contracted Q fever infection.
Several occupations in which workers are in direct contact or close proximity to infected animals, their products and contaminated materials are considered high risk transmission environments. Examples of such occupations are farmers, shearers, veterinarians, abattoir workers, animal transporters, stockyard workers and council workers.
Those who are 15 years and older and work in high-risk occupations as above or live in a high-risk environment should be vaccinated against Q fever after undergoing pre-vaccination screening to exclude past infection. Allow 15 days after vaccination before starting work in high-risk environment. Those who should not be vaccinated against Q fever are pregnant women, children younger than 15 years and those with confirmed past infection with Q fever.
For more information from NSW Health regarding Q fever, please click HERE
Walcha General Practice Clinic will be CLOSED:
Wednesday 25th December 2024 (Christmas Day)
Thursday 26th December 2024 (Boxing Day)
Friday 27th December
Wednesday 1st January 2025 (New Years Day)
With the cold and flu season fast approaching, with Covid-19 thrown into the mix, at Walcha General Practice we take keeping our community safe seriously.
DO NOT ENTER the clinic if you have these symptoms, please wait at the front door for further instructions.
For any questions please contact reception on 02 6777 4293
Breastscreen NSW will be in Walcha from May 24th – May 31st 2024.
To book your appointment call 13 20 50 or click HERE to book online.
To make a booking please contact us.
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash. It is caused by reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. While most symptoms typically last 2-3 weeks, shingles can become serious. It can lead to nerve pain that can last for months (called post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN).
Read the FACTSHEET or contact the practice on 02 6777 4293 to book an appointment to find out if you are eligible for the Shingles vaccination today!
All cervical screening participants now have the choice to self-collect their own Cervical Screening Test sample.
A self-collected sample is taken from the vagina and is checked for human papillomavirus (HPV) – a common infection that causes almost all cervical cancers.
Visit health.gov.au find out more.