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Wellington Shire offers flu and MMR vaccination programs through community clinics to protect residents during winter and reduce illness risks

Wellington Shire Council is reminding residents to stay up to date with flu vaccinations and routine immunisations as the winter season approaches, with community immunisation sessions continuing across the municipality.

By news@gippsland - 24th May 2026 - Back to News

Colder weather brings an increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses, with higher risks for young children, older people, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions. Annual flu vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of illness and help protect the wider community during the winter months.

Pictured, JJ all smiles after his immunisation at the Port of Sale, annual flu vaccinations are available at Council immunisation sessions from May to December, with affordable options for ineligible residents

Flu and MMR clinics

Annual flu vaccinations are available at Council’s community immunisation sessions from May through to December. The flu vaccine is recommended each year for everyone aged six months and over, as flu viruses change annually. Free flu vaccines are available for eligible groups, including young children, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, older residents and those with certain medical conditions. Affordable options are also available for residents who do not meet the eligibility criteria for a free vaccine.

Council is also delivering free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines for adults aged 20 to 59 in partnership with the Gippsland Regional Public Health Unit. Many adults born between 1966 and 1992 only received one measles vaccine as children, which does not provide full protection. A top up dose is recommended, particularly following recent measles detections in Gippsland. The MMR vaccine remains part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, with doses provided at 12 and 18 months.

Community immunisation program

Wellington Shire Council provides a funded immunisation program in line with the National Immunisation Program Schedule, supporting the health of people who live and work in the municipality. Monthly community immunisation sessions are held in Sale, Maffra, Heyfield and Yarram, alongside a secondary school based immunisation program. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 1300 366 244 or booking online.

Council’s immunisation program plays an important role in reducing the spread of illness during winter, easing pressure on health services and helping protect vulnerable members of the community. Residents are encouraged to check their immunisation status now and plan ahead for the colder months. Session times, eligibility details and booking information are available at council's Immunisation page.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access.
• Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
  The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
  Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Coalition urges Labor to block foreign-backed Cobungra Station sale and protect productive farmland from carbon projects
  The Coalition has urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers and FIRB to reject the proposed foreign-backed purchase of Cobungra Station, warning productive farmland should remain dedicated to food production, not carbon projects.
• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
  Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
  Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
• East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
  East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.