Troy gets ready for flu season

Country music star Troy Cassar-Daley has joined the campaign to urge Australians, especially First Nations people aged 50 and over, to be vaccinated.

With winter on the way and respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the rise, staying healthy has never been more important. 

Given last year recorded the highest number of flu cases in the past five years, Cassar-Daley is urging people to get vaccinated now. 

As part of a new Australian Government Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing campaign, Cassar-Daley, a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, 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. 

Winter illnesses can have serious effects, 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. 

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk. It reduces your chances of catching the virus and can lessen the severity of the illness and its symptoms if you do become unwell.

Cassar-Daley 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 people not to wait until winter is at its peak, but to act early and get protected. 

Cassar-Daley 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.” 

Related reading: Free RSV vaccine removes the cost for older seniors