Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said that the vaccine was being provided free for a limited time in communities across the state as part of NSW Health’s $1.75 million immunisation campaign.

The 2017 season was the worst on record for the state, with over 650 flu-related deaths.

In the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District there were 4897 confirmed flu cases – 2374 in August alone. ​That compares to 1253 cases for the whole of 2016.

Mr Ward encouraged local community members to take advantage of the free jab at Wollongong Hospital.

“Vaccination is your best protection against the flu, so we encourage you and your loved ones to get vaccinated against this deadly infection this winter,” he said.

“The best time to have the flu vaccine is in April or May to ensure your protection doesn’t wane before the flu season peaks. The vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective.”

Mr Ward said flu vaccines were now available at most GPs, Aboriginal medical Services and, for children under five years of age, from council and community centres that routinely provide vaccination services.

Free flu shots were available to pregnant women, people over 65, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

“The ISLHD will be implementing its winter plans for local hospitals, which include procedures for allocating additional resources during periods of high demand, providing free flu vaccinations for frontline health staff and promoting good hygiene practices that help fight the spread of flu,” he said.

“The World Health Organisation advises this year’s flu vaccine will be a better match to the four circulating strains and offer higher protection than last year.

“We urge everyone to get the flu jab to build our immunity in the community and beat the flu bug this winter – it could help save your life.”