The first day of winter is a reminder to get a flu jab and help reduce the flu's severity and spread in the community, the Southern NSW Local Health District says.
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A spokesperson said there were many options for where to get the flu jab, including GPs and pharmacies.
While the flu vaccine would not combat COVID-19, it would help reduce the severity and spread of flu, Chief Executive of Southern NSW Local Health District Margaret Bennett said.
"We're urging everyone who can be vaccinated to do so and help stop the spread of the infection in the community especially to others more vulnerable, like children and the elderly," Ms Bennett said.
"The flu can lower a person's immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses such as COVID-19."
Come forward for a free COVID-19 test if feeling unwell - even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat.
Cases in the community must be identified as quickly as possible.
"People who may show no obvious symptoms or have very mild symptoms can unwittingly pass it to others if they are incubating the infection," the spokesperson said.
"Meanwhile people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and those with high-risk medical conditions can be vaccinated for the flu for free by GPs under the National Immunisation Program."
The spokesperson said there was also a free NSW-funded vaccine available to all children aged six months to five years.
It was recommend to call a GP, clinic or pharmacist to ensure the vaccine was available.
The spokesperson said the NSW Government invested approximately $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
There are fixed five SNSWLHD COVID-19 Assessment Centres, open daily 9am-5pm at: Bega, Cooma, Moruya, Goulburn and Queanbeyan Hospitals. Bookings 1800 999 880 (option 1).
