GV PHU Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit

31/03/2026

Today we recognise Transgender Day of Visibility 🏳️‍⚧️

A day to acknowledge and celebrate the strength, visibility and contributions of trans and gender diverse people in our communities 🩵🩷🤍

Visibility matters—but it must be met with safety, respect and inclusion. We recognise that being visible is not always easy, which is why creating affirming environments—especially in healthcare—is so important.

At GV Public Health Unit, we remain committed to listening, learning and taking action to support inclusive, respectful and accessible care for all.

Because everyone deserves to live authentically, feel valued and be supported—today and every day 🩵🩷🤍

19/03/2026

The Department of Health Vic has issued a Public Health Alert for Legionnaires disease, check the post shared below for more info.

We’re investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Craigieburn and the surrounding suburbs. Six cases have been notified as of 18 March 2026. This investigation seeks to identify the source of the outbreak through testing local cooling towers and other potential sources.

The disease is spread by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain the bacteria. It is not spread from person to person or by drinking contaminated water.

Legionnaires’ disease can cause a chest infection with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, headache, muscle aches and pains.

People at increased risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease include those aged over 40 years, those who smoke, or have an underlying medical condition.

People who have been in Craigieburn or the surrounding suburbs of Mickleham, Greenvale and Roxburgh Park from late February and who develop flu-like illness should seek medical care.

For more information, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/4uwPLFP

16/03/2026

💬 Advance Care Planning Week | 16–22 March

There are no right or wrong answers — it’s simply about what matters to you. Because when it comes to your future care, it’s your story and your choice.

Advance care planning is about taking the time to think about what’s important to you and sharing those wishes with the people who matter most.

At GVPHU, we believe big conversations start small. Starting a conversation today can help make sure your voice is heard when it matters most.

Learn more and start the conversation through Advance Care Planning Australia.

📅 16–22 March
💬 Your Story. Your Choice.

Stay tuned this week as we share more about advance care planning and how our community can support one another to start conversations that matter.

03/03/2026

🚨 Measles Exposure Sites Updated – Stay Informed

The Chief Health Officer has issued an updated alert regarding new measles exposure sites in Victoria.

Measles is highly infectious and can spread quickly, especially among people who are not fully vaccinated.

If you have visited a listed exposure site during the specified times:
• Monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure
• Watch for fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, followed by a rash
• If symptoms develop, stay home and call ahead before visiting your GP or hospital

The best protection against measles is vaccination. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, contact your GP to check your records or discuss catch-up vaccination.

Let’s work together to protect our community 💜💙

25/02/2026

Are you aged between 20–59?
Don’t know if you have had two measles vaccines?

A Free measles (MMR) vaccination, led by your Local Public Health Unit is available for you to claim at your local pharmacy.

Scan the QR code or head over to mmr.thevaccinationhub.com.au/ to find a participating pharmacy near you and claim your free vaccination voucher today.

How to check and claim:
1️⃣ Enter your postcode
2️⃣ Check if you’re eligible
3️⃣ Download your free voucher
4️⃣ Visit a participating pharmacy

Measles vaccine is not recommended for people who are pregnant or severely immunocompromised. Speak to your healthcare professional.

23/02/2026

🚨 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 - 22nd February 2026 🚨

There is an increased risk of measles in Victoria. Measles is highly infectious and spreads through airborne droplets. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated is at risk.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄:
✔️ Vaccination is the best protection. Two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine are required for immunity.
✔️ Many people born between 1966 and 1992 may not have received two doses.
✔️ The MMR vaccine is free for all Victorians born during or since 1966.
✔️ Travellers should ensure routine vaccinations are up to date at least two weeks before departure.
✔️ Infants aged 6–11 months can receive a state-funded MMR dose prior to overseas travel through their GP or Aboriginal Health Service.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀:
📞 Call ahead before visiting your GP or health service.
😷 Wear a face mask.
🏠 Isolate until advised.

If you have attended a listed public exposure site, monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days and follow the advice provided.

For exposure sites and full details, visit the Department of Health website.

19/02/2026

We may be a little late for National Condom Day - but when it comes to sexual health, it's always the right time to have the conversation 💜

We understand that the conversations about sexual health can be sensitive in some walks of life but learning and understanding simple things that we can do to make sure we are safe and protected, when it comes to sexual health.

Condoms are a simple and effective way to help against sexually transmissible infections (STIs). If you would like to know more information, please speak to your local GP or local health services.

For more information, visit the Better Health Channel: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/contraception-choices

16/02/2026

✈️ Travelling overseas? Protect yourself and your loved ones from measles.

There’s an increased risk of measles linked to overseas travel, and cases are being brought back to Australia by travellers. Measles spreads easily and can impact families, schools and our wider community.

Before you take off:
✔️ Check your measles vaccination status
✔️ Make sure you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine
✔️ Speak with your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure

A quick check before you travel can help protect you — and the people you come home to. Please note that consultation or vaccination fees may apply in some settings.

For more information, visit the Better Health Channel.

11/02/2026

🚨 CHO Alert: Measles Risk 🚨

The Chief Health Officer released an alert after a case of measles was imported by an overseas traveller. While it’s not currently spreading in the community, measles is highly contagious and can affect anyone who isn’t fully vaccinated.

We’re sharing this alert to help our community stay protected.

✅ Check your vaccination status and make sure you and your family are up to date.
✅ Watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and rash.
✅ Stay home if unwell and contact your GP to prevent potential spread.
✅ Protect those around you — even healthy adults and children can catch measles if unvaccinated.

For more information and resources, visit the Better Health Channel or the VIC Department of Health webpage for the full CHO Alert.

Community protection starts with everyone being up to date — stay informed and stay safe

02/02/2026

📱 Stay Informed with VicEmergency

During extreme heat and other emergencies, having the right information at the right time can help keep you and your community safe.

VicEmergency provides:
✔️ Official warnings and alerts for fires, extreme weather and other emergencies
✔️ Information about incidents happening near you
✔️ Advice on what to do and when to act
✔️ Updates from emergency services and government agencies

You can stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app or visiting emergency.vic.gov.au.

Set up your location and notifications and check regularly — especially during periods of extreme heat. For trusted health information, visit the Victorian Department of Health and Better Health Channel.

01/02/2026

🦟 Hot Weather Brings Mosquitoes — Protect Yourself ☀️

Warmer weather can lead to more mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes can carry serious diseases, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

✔️ Use insect repellent on exposed skin
✔️ Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing when outdoors
✔️ Remove standing water around your home
✔️ Use screens, coils or plug-in repellents where possible

Simple actions can reduce mosquito bites and lower the risk of mosquito-borne disease.

For more information, visit the Better Health Channel or Victorian Department of Health.

29/01/2026

☀️ Beat the Heat — Have a Plan ☀️

With hot weather continuing across Victoria, planning ahead can help keep you and others safe during extreme heat.

🗓️ Plan for hot days by:
✔️ Checking the weather forecast and heat warnings
✔️ Scheduling activities for the coolest part of the day
✔️ Knowing where you can go to stay cool (air-conditioned spaces, libraries, shopping centres)
✔️ Making a plan to check in on family, friends and neighbours

💧 Be prepared:
• Keep water with you at all times
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Keep your home cool by closing blinds and curtains

Taking simple steps now can reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

For more information, visit the Better Health Channel or Victorian Department of Health.