OUCH: Dr Ravin Sadhai gives North Ballarat Football Club player James Keeble a flu injection. Photo: Lachlan Bence.
THEY might be tough on the field, but players from the North Ballarat Football Club took some convincing when it came time for flu injections after a recent training session.
Player James Keeble fronted up for his immunisation from Ballan GP Dr Ravin Sadhai, along with more than 20 of his team mates.
Events marking the start of Immunisation Week today will see Ballarat residents avoid potentially serious complications by getting a flu shot.
Older residents and people in higher risk groups are being encouraged to think about getting immunised for the flu, which should occur before May.
Ballarat West MP Sharon Knight said free flu vaccinations were available to many people, including over 65s.
"With flu season quickly approaching I'd encourage people to get professional advice about flu immunisation," Ms Knight said.
Those in known high risk groups include the over 65s, hospital patients and staff, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, pregnant women, residents in nursing homes, severe asthmatics and anyone with a chronic illness.
Ms Knight said others who should consider flu vaccination were those in contact with vulnerable people at risk of infection, such as those who work with or live in close contact with people who have an underlying medical condition or reduced immunity.