Where in your city can you get your free flu shot?

In South Africa, flu vaccines are available for free at various public healthcare facilities across the country. Picture: REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

In South Africa, flu vaccines are available for free at various public healthcare facilities across the country. Picture: REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

Published Apr 18, 2023

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In South Africa, flu vaccines are available for free at various public healthcare facilities across the country.

These vaccinations are usually provided during the winter months, which is typically from May to September.

To find out where you can get a free flu vaccine in your respective city in South Africa, you can check with your local government health department or visit their website.

Alternatively, you can contact your nearest public healthcare facility, such as a clinic or hospital, to inquire about the availability of free flu vaccines.

You can contact your nearest public healthcare facility, such as a clinic or hospital, to inquire about the availability of free flu vaccines. Picture by Markus Spiske /Pexels

Some private healthcare providers also offer free flu vaccines to their members, so it's worth checking with your medical aid provider if you have one.

It is also important to get vaccinated against the flu every year, especially if you’re at a higher risk of developing complications from the illness.

So be sure to take advantage of the free flu vaccines offered by the South African health system to protect yourself and those around you.

The South African government provides free flu vaccines to certain groups of people who are considered to be at higher risk of contracting and suffering severe symptoms from the flu. These groups include:

1. Healthcare workers

2. Pregnant women

3. People over the age of 65

4. People with chronic medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.

Here are some examples of where individuals in different cities in South Africa can receive free flu vaccines:

Gauteng

Several public health clinics and hospitals in Joburg offer free flu vaccines, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, and Hillbrow Community Health Centre.

In Cape Town, people can receive free flu vaccines at various public healthcare clinics and hospitals, including Groote Schuur Hospital, Victoria Hospital, and Somerset Hospital.

In Durban, individuals can receive free flu vaccines at various public healthcare clinics and hospitals, including King Edward VIII Hospital, Addington Hospital, and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

Eastern Cape: the public can receive free flu vaccines at various public health-care clinics and hospitals, including the Dora Nginza Hospital in Port Elizabeth, the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha, and the Grey Hospital in King William's Town.

Mpumalanga: There are various public clinics and hospitals including: Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit, Themba Hospital in White River, and Tintswalo Hospital in Acornhoek.

Northern Cape: Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley, Kuruman Hospital in Kuruman, and Jan Kempdorp Hospital in Jan Kempdorp.

It is also important to remember that the availability of free flu shots can change based on area and demand. In order to find out where to get a free flu shot in your particular area, it is advised that one contact their neighbourhood public hospital or clinic

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