Country music icon, Troy Cassar-Daley, is urging older First Nations Australians to ‘Get Ready’ and get vaccinated ahead of winter.
As part of a new Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing campaign, Troy is encouraging First Nations Australians
aged 50 years and over, to have a yarn with their doctor or health worker about which winter vaccines are right for them before winter hits.
Winter illnesses can have serious impacts, particularly for older Australians and people with underlying health conditions. For vulnerable groups, a bout of flu, COVID-19 or RSV can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, long recovery periods, and in some cases, death.
Troy says that looking after your health is about being able to keep showing up for the people and moments that matter most.
“I spend so much time on the road and meeting people at gigs, and I can’t afford to get sick when I’m touring,” he says.
“If I go down, everything stops. So for me, getting vaccinated is just part of staying strong and being able to keep doing the things that I love.
“As we get older, we’ve got to look after ourselves so we can keep showing up for our loved ones, our Elders and our communities.”
The campaign message, ‘Get ready for winter. Get vaccinated’, encourages Australians not to wait until winter is at its peak, but to act early and get protected ahead of time.
Troy says taking action now can make a big difference. Being up to date with recommended vaccinations is an important part of staying protected.
“Winter nasties like the flu and COVID-19 are always changing, which is why vaccines are updated to keep fighting them,” he says.
“Staying up to date with your vaccinations, especially if you’re a bit older like me, is one of the best ways we can all remain well and stay ahead of those winter nasties!
“It’s easy to put these things off, so get in early and have a yarn with your doctor or health worker, and make a plan to get vaccinated now,” he says.
Influenza vaccinations are free and recommended for First Nations people aged 6 months and over; COVID-19 vaccinations are free for all First Nations people and recommended for people aged 65 and over. From 15 May, RSV vaccinations are free for First Nations people aged 60 and over.
The campaign, which features Troy in campaign videos and posters, encourages mob to find out more at https://www.health.gov.au/winter-vaccinations.
