Ballina Family Medical Centre

28/05/2026

Protect your child against influenza this winter.

Children aged 2–17 years are now eligible for the FREE nasal spray flu vaccine in NSW.

A great option for children who dislike needles, it’s quick, gentle and needle free.

📞 Contact our reception team to book your child’s nasal spray flu vaccine appointment today
02 6686 3299

All young people from 2 to 17 years of age in NSW are now eligible for the free nasal spray flu vaccine.

Expanding eligibility aims to boost statewide vaccination rates and make it easier for families - especially those with children who dislike needles.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is gentle, painless and available for free for a limited time at GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and pharmacies.

Influenza (flu) is serious but isn’t as scary if you’re vaccinated. A flu vaccine offers you and your child the best protection from serious illness.

Learn more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/families_and_individuals.aspx

Book your family’s flu vaccine today: www.healthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine

26/05/2026

☀️ May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month ☀️

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, which is why regular skin checks are so important.

Early detection can make a big difference, and many skin cancers can be treated successfully when found early.

If you’ve noticed any new or changing spots, or it’s been a while since your last skin check, now is a great time to book an appointment.

Contact our reception team to arrange your skin check today
📞02 6686 3299

This May for Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, remember to protect your skin every day. Simple steps can help reduce your risk of melanoma.

Find out more about sun protection: https://melanomaresearch.com.au/about-melanoma/prevention/

21/05/2026

Making the decision to quit smoking is one of the best steps you can take for your health 🚭

The benefits can begin within days, with improvements continuing over time for your lungs, heart and overall wellbeing.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting, support is available, it’s never too late to quit.

11/05/2026

Happy international Nurses day! 🎉

06/05/2026

💉 Funded RSV Vaccines

We will be offering funded RSV vaccinations from 15th May for:
• Patients aged 75 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients aged 60 years and over

Older adults are at an increased risk of severe RSV illness and complications, so vaccination is an important way to help protect your health.

We have two dedicated RSV clinics available at present.

📞 Please call our reception team to book your appointment.
02 6686 3299

Meet Phil, who has places to go and people to see.

He doesn’t have time for respiratory illnesses like ( ).

RSV is highly contagious, causing outbreaks during the winter months. Older people are at increased risk of severe RSV and complications such as pneumonia that may require admission to hospital.

The good news is RSV protection is now free for all Australians aged 75+, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60+.

Others aged 60-74 years or those aged 50+ who have a medical condition which increases their risk of RSV may be able to pay out-of-pocket for the vaccine.

Speak to your GP, pharmacist or community vaccination provider for advice. Don’t go unprotected.

For further information about RSV protection for older adults, see link in comments.

09/04/2026

Influenza (flu) is serious, but isn’t as scary if you’re vaccinated. A flu vaccine offers you and your child the best protection from serious illness.

The yearly flu vaccine is free for children aged 6 months to under 5 years, Aboriginal children aged 6 months and over, and children with serious health conditions. It is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

If your child is 2, 3 or 4 years old, they can get a free nasal spray flu vaccine in NSW. It is gentle, painless, and needle-free.

Book your family’s flu vaccine today: www.healthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine

29/03/2026

🧠 Know the signs of stroke Act FAST (and BE FAST) 🚨

When it comes to stroke, every second counts. The faster you recognise the signs, the better the chance of recovery.
Remember FAST:
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 000

You may also hear BE FAST, which adds two important early warning signs:
B – Balance (Sudden loss of balance or coordination, which may manifest as dizziness or difficulty walking)
E – Eyes (Changes in vision, such as sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes)

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait, call 000 immediately.
Early action can save a life.

26/03/2026

Our community is now eligible for free Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination due to an increased risk in our area.

Japanese Encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious virus spread by mosquitoes. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and help reduce the risk in our community.

If you live, work, or spend time in eligible areas including Ballina, Lismore, Byron and Tweed, we strongly encourage you to consider getting vaccinated.

Contact our friendly reception staff to book your vaccination.

📞 02 6686 3299

Let’s work together to keep our community safe and protected.

26/03/2026

💜 International Epilepsy Day 💜

Today our team wore purple to show support for people living with epilepsy and to help raise awareness in our community.

Epilepsy affects people of all ages and can look different for everyone. By increasing understanding, we can help reduce stigma and ensure those living with epilepsy feel supported and safe.

If you’d like to learn more about epilepsy or how to support someone living with it, we’re here to help.

23/03/2026