Flu shot, COVID boosters essential for winter protection, SA Indigenous leader says

Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation is offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines at its clinic. (ABC South East SA: Grace Whiteside)

Indigenous leaders are urging locals to roll up their sleeves for both the flu jab and COVID-19 boosters, as influenza cases spike and coronavirus continues to spread in the community. 

Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation in Berrin, or Mount Gambier in the south-east of South Australia, has encouraged all community members to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against the viruses.

Chief executive Andrew Birtwistle-Smith said he was "proud" of the community's response to COVID-19.

"It was a slow uptake [of vaccines] to begin with," he said.

"Community have been really good in regards to getting some good information, using that information … and then making those decisions that best meet their needs.

Mr Birtwistle-Smith is calling on the community to get vaccinated to protect themselves and loved ones. (ABC South East SA: Grace Whiteside)

The latest figures from the federal government show almost 75 per cent of Indigenous people in the south-east of SA have received two COVID-19 vaccines, and almost 60 per cent have had more than two doses.

Mr Birtwistle-Smith said he was pleased with the statistics.

"That is a good outcome, and it's increasing as well," he said.

Fourth dose for winter protection

Mr Birtwistle-Smith said the organisation had been "encouraging and supporting" its clients to receive a fourth COVID-19 dose.

"Particularly coming into winter and also the onset of colds and flus and other conditions that may mean that we might be more susceptible, or already be unwell," Mr Birtwistle-Smith said.

Mr Birtwistle-Smith says receiving vaccinations is particularly important for those deemed high-risk. (ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

"We only need to look at the information that's coming out from the health sector … in regards to the risks associated with the flu, and also having COVID, let alone having them at the same time."

'Flu vaccination ASAP'

Mr Birtwistle-Smith said receiving multiple vaccinations was important, especially for those categorised as vulnerable or high-risk.

"For those who may be more susceptible to having more serious effects in regards to getting COVID … [and] having the flu on top of that, our work has certainly been [about] encouraging people to come in and get that flu vaccination ASAP."

The organisation says more than 140 people have already receive their flu vaccinations Pangula Mannamurna clinic. (ABC South East SA: Grace Whiteside)

He said about 140 people had already been vaccinated against influenza at the Pangula Mannamurna clinic.

Mr Birtwistle-Smith said it was important to get updated information out to the community.

"The more people we hear about, or we see, in regards to the health needs of having both the flu and COVID and the serious conditions that may come with that, people will definitely come in more in regards to the vaccinations."