Members have been asking WAPOU when or if they will be receiving the Swine Flu (H1N1 Influenza) vaccine from the Department.

It has been determined that prison staff shall access the vaccination through their family doctor or health services established to provide the vaccinations.

The vaccine will be available free of cost to the public from Wednesday 30 September to 16 October 2009. All clinics shall be open Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 7.30pm; opening hours may be modified depending on demand.

The Department of Health encourages all people 10yrs of age and over to protect themselves and their families by being vaccinated, especially those in higher risk categories.

Information on who is considered to be a higher risk category, and the location of community vaccination clinics is available on the Department of Health website:

www.health.wa.gov.au/swine_flu

Members who would prefer to access their GP's should make an appointment and check that vaccine supplies are available. Some GP's will be bulk billing people in the higher risk categories and you need to identify the arrangement that your GP practice has in place.