Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter!
As the pace of 2026 settles in, we’re saying goodbye to the long, hot days of summer and welcoming the cooler, calmer rhythm that Autumn brings. With the seasonal shift comes the usual rise in coughs, colds and viral illnesses, so it’s a timely reminder to start thinking ahead to winter and how best to protect yourself and your family.
We’re expecting the 2026 influenza vaccines to arrive in early April and will once again be running dedicated flu clinics to make it easy for everyone to stay up to date. Immunisation rates were down last year and unfortunately there were two influenza virus spikes in 2025. We’ll also continue offering COVID-19 booster clinics with Pfizer vaccines as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our community protected.
In this edition, you’ll find key updates on this year’s influenza vaccines and broader immunisation recommendations, information about ADHD co-prescribing arrangements, and a reminder that we offer Iron infusions and Aclasta infusions right here at Your Family Doctors for your convenience. For a short period of time some of our doctors have open books and that time has come again where we need to increase our practice fees to continue to provide quality healthcare.
As always, thank you for trusting us with your care — we’re here to support you through every season.
EASTER OPENING HOURS
INFLUENZA VACCINE UPDATE 2026
- Annual influenza vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. It is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over.
- All children aged 6 months to less than 5 years are eligible for free influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
- Influenza vaccines and the COVID 19 Vaccine may be given at the same time.
- Influenza vaccines are recommended for pregnant women in every pregnancy, at any stage of pregnancy. They can be co-administered with pertussis (20 to 32 weeks), maternal RSV (28 to 36 weeks), COVID-19 (if required) and other vaccines indicated during pregnancy
- For adults aged 65 years and over, both the NIP funded adjuvanted vaccine (Fluad®) and the private market high dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone High Dose) are equally preferentially recommended over standard influenza vaccines.
- Flucelvax, a cell-based influenza vaccine is funded under the NIP in 2026 for at-risk population aged 5 to 64 years. There is no preference for use between Flucelvax and standard dose egg-based influenza vaccines.
- In 2026, the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist®) which is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) will be available for the first time in Australia for children aged between 2 – 17 years. In NSW, FluMist® is fully funded for 2 – 4 year olds and available privately for those aged 5 – 17.
- All influenza vaccines available in Australia in 2026 are trivalent (e.g containing two A strains and one B lineage. The B Yamagata lineage virus has been excluded as it may be extinct.
The government funded flu vaccines are expected to arrive at YFD early April. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for those at risk of severe illness from the flu. Those eligible for free influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation program includes:
- Children from 6 months to under 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years and over
- People with serious health conditions (including severe respiratory disease, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
Those not eligible for a government flu vaccine can receive a private flu vaccine at Your Family Doctors for $20. Those aged between 5 – 17 can recieve a private FluMist® nasal spray vaccine for $50.
NSW Nasal spray influenza Vaccination program
A nasal spray influenza vaccine will be available in Australia in 2026 under the brand name FluMist®. FluMist® is a live attenuated influenza vaccine delivered via nasal spray as a needle-free alternative. FluMist® is registered for use for people aged 2 to 17 years in Australia. This vaccine has been used extensively overseas for over a decade and has demonstrated strong acceptability and comparable effectiveness to the injectable influenza vaccine.
In 2025 to the end of August, there were over 3,000 presentations to emergency departments in NSW for influenza-like illness in children less than 5 years old, and over 600 hospital admissions. Previously healthy children can experience severe complications from influenza.
In addition to the NIP and state-funded standard injectable influenza vaccines, in 2026, the NSW Government is funding FluMist®, for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years as a needle-free alternative, with the aim to increase vaccination uptake in children. It is given as a nasal spray into both nostrils, is well tolerated and quickly absorbed. This makes it convenient for children who may prefer to avoid needles. FluMist can be co-administered with other routine childhood vaccines. Side effects from FluMist are usually mild and most commonly include a runny or blocked nose, headache or general tiredness. Anaphylaxis is extremely rare.
FluMist® is registered for use for people aged 2 to 17 years and will also be available on the private market for this age cohort (available for $50 at Your Family Doctors)
FLU VACCINE CLINICS
Flu vaccine appointments will be available for patients of our practice online via HotDoc under ‘Flu clinic’ when they arrive in stock or via this link https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/erina-NSW-2250/your-family-doctors-at-erina/doctors
We will notify patients when our flu vaccines arrive and clinics are available via facebook, Instagram and sms.
For more information about the flu vaccine please refer to ……..
https://yourfamilydoctors.com.au/influenza-vaccine-2026/
VACCINATION IN SENIORS UPDATE
Vaccination continues to one of the most important preventative health tools we have, particularly for our senior community. Staying up to date with recommended immunisations plays a vital role in protecting against serious illness and reducing the risk of complications as we get older.
As we age, our immune systems naturally become less robust, making us more susceptible to serious complications from common infections. Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of hospitalisation, long-term health impacts, and even death.
With the flu season approaching in winter, now is the perfect time to review your immunisations. In addition to the annual influenza vaccine, many older adults are recommended to have boosters for Covid-19, protection against pneumococcal disease, shingles (herpes zoster), tetanus, whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These infections can be far more severe in later life, but the good news is that safe and effective vaccines are available.
For more information …. https://yourfamilydoctors.com.au/vaccination-in-seniors-update-2026/
IRON AND ZOLENDRONIC ACID INFUSIONS
Did you know, At Your Family Doctors, we offer both Iron infusions and Zoledronic acid (Aclasta) infusions right here in the practice. These treatments must be clinically indicated, so the first step is to book an appointment with your GP to discuss whether this option is appropriate for you. For more details on these infusions, including private fees, please read our YFD blog on Iron Infusions and Aclasta Infusions. If you’re booked in, don’t forget to have your prescription filled and bring your Iron or Aclasta with you on the day of your infusion appointment.
TELEHEALTH BULK BILLING ASSIGNMENTS OF BENEFITS VIA HOTDOC
At Your Family Doctors, we use HotDoc to securely collect your consent for the assignment of benefits for bulk billing after your telehealth appointment. This is an important legislative requirement outlined by Services Australia, ensuring we have your formal consent before lodging your claim with Medicare.
What is bulk billing assignment of benefits?
Bulk billing, or assignment of benefits, is when we bill Medicare directly for your appointment so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. Medicare requires your written consent to do this. Instead of signing a paper form at the clinic, you can provide your consent digitally via HotDoc.
What do I need to do?
After your telehealth appointment, you will receive a consent request via SMS, email, or a notification in the HotDoc app, sent to the mobile number or email address we have on file.
- Click the secure link.
- Enter your last name and date of birth to verify your identity.
- Review your appointment details.
- Select:
- “I agree” to consent to bulk billing, or
- “I don’t want to be bulk billed” if you wish to decline.
For patients aged 12 and under, a parent or guardian can provide consent on their behalf.
Once submitted, your response is sent directly to our practice so we can finalise your Medicare claim. Providing consent promptly helps us process your claim efficiently and ensures we meet Medicare requirements. If you have any questions, our reception team is always happy to assist.
How do I know it’s legitimate?
HotDoc links will include:
- htd.io
- hotdoc.com
- hotdoc.com.au
Emails are sent from noreply@hotdoc.com.au on behalf of our clinic.
If you’re unsure, please contact our practice directly, or for further information, click How to respond to a bulk billing consent request – HotDoc Help
For tips on how to tell if a HotDoc message is real https://try.hotdoc.com.au/scam-awareness
LAVERTY PATHOLOGY COLLECTION HOURS UPDATE
From Monday 23rd March 2026, our pathology collection hours will be changing. Our pathology collector will now be available from 8:30am to 12:30pm Mon-Thurs. We appreciate your understanding as we make this adjustment and encourage patients to plan accordingly when attending for blood tests.
PRACTICE FEES
We would like to let our patients know that from 1st April 2026, our consultation fees will be increasing. This decision has not been made lightly—our last fee update was in 2024, and since then, the rising costs of running a general practice have made this adjustment necessary to ensure we can continue providing high-quality, comprehensive care. We understand that any increase in fees can be challenging for some, and we are committed to approaching these conversations with empathy and transparency. Our team will always be happy to discuss any concerns, and we thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.
Consultation Fees
|
Visit Type |
Fee* |
Medicare Rebate |
Out of Pocket |
|
Standard Consultation (up to 20 mins) |
$100.00 |
$43.90 |
$56.10 |
|
Long Consultation (over 20 mins) |
$160.00 |
$84.90 |
$75.10 |
|
Prolonged Consultation (over 40 mins) |
$220.00 |
$125.10 |
$94.90 |
|
Mental Health Care Plan (20–40 mins) |
$200.00 |
$106.20 |
$93.80 |
|
Mental Health Care Plan (over 40 mins) |
$255.00 |
$156.45 |
$98.55 |
Please note:
Individual doctors’ fees may vary
- A $50 cancellation fee applies for missed appointments or cancellations made less than 8 hours prior.
- A $15 weekend surcharge applies to Saturday appointments.
- Nurse-led services are not covered by Medicare; out-of-pocket fees vary depending on the service provided.
- Medicare rebates are current at the time of publication and may be subject to change
YFD NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
For a limited time, we are pleased to advise that Dr Cherie Castaing, Dr Jill McDowell, and Dr Cindy Chen are accepting new patients. Our other doctors are at full capacity and have their books closed. Please note that Your Family Doctors is a privately billing practice, and a $50 deposit is required when booking a new patient appointment. To arrange your first visit, please call our practice directly, as new patients are unable to book online. All new patients will be welcomed through an initial appointment with one of our nurses before seeing their doctor, helping us ensure a smooth and comprehensive introduction to our practice.
CHANGES TO GP PRESCRIBING FOR ADHD MEDICATION
There have been some important updates to how GPs can support patients needing ADHD medication. GPs are now able to take on a greater role in prescribing stimulant medication through shared-care arrangements with paediatricians and psychiatrists. This means that once a specialist has made the diagnosis and initiated treatment, your regular GP can help continue your care under their guidance. In addition, some of our GPs who have undertaken the required extra training are now able to provide continuation prescribing for suitable patients whose ADHD management is already stable.
It’s important to note that at present GPs in NSW are still not permitted to formally diagnose ADHD or start stimulant medication. All new diagnoses and initial prescriptions must continue to come from a paediatrician or psychiatrist
To ensure safe and appropriate prescribing, all shared-care and continuation prescribing appointments must be face-to-face and booked with your regular GP—we’re unable to provide script-only visits or quick prescription requests for these medications.
As always, our focus is on delivering safe, consistent, and supportive care. If you have questions about these changes or think shared care might be suitable for you or your child, please chat with your usual GP.
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Thank You for Reading Our Autumn Newsletter
As the weather begins to cool and we settle into the autumn months, we hope this edition has provided helpful health updates and practical tips to support you and your family. Between newsletters, you can stay connected with Your Family Doctors at Erina by following us on Facebook and Instagram, or by visiting our website and blog for trusted advice from our GPs.
We always value your feedback—your insights help us continue to improve the care and services we provide. Simply scan the QR code below to share your experience with us.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy Easter and autumn, and we look forward to caring for you in the months ahead.
Love Team YFD xx
