The Darwin Vaccination Centre at Marrara has expanded its operations to include free influenza vaccination jabs for children aged six months to five years for the next couple of weeks before the clinic’s closure.

The Commonwealth Government’s National Immunisation Plan specifically targets children in the young age group who are at greater risk of developing severe flu. At present, only 17 per cent of Territory children in the age group have had the flu vaccine.

The Darwin Vaccination Centre ceases operations at the end of this month.

COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible Territorians five years and above will also be provided by the centre until the end of the month.

While walk-ins will be accepted at the clinic, priority will be given to those with booked appointments. Reservations for the flu vaccination can be made using the NT COVID-19 vaccine booking system.

The centre is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm on Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday.

NT Health chief health officer Dr Charles Pain said that getting the flu vaccine is very important this year due to the early flu season and the significant number of cases recorded in the community.

“By increasing access to the flu vaccine for young children, this will ensure some of the Territory’s most vulnerable are protected against flu,” Dr Pain said.

The flu vaccine is also available in participating GP clinics, pharmacies, respiratory clinics and Aboriginal health clinics in the Territory. Both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine can be given simultaneously.

Vaccination appointments can be booked until the end of the month at https://covid19appointment.nt.gov.au/fluvacc#/appointment