The Elms Family Medical Centre

27/04/2026

Influenza vaccinations are now available. Please book into a vaccination “clinic” via reception. This will usually be a nurse and a doctor attending, although sometimes a doctor on their own. For those who qualify for vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (children under 5 yrs old, adults over 65 yrs old and those in between with a significant medical problem putting them at increased risk from influenza and indigenous Australians of any age) there is no out of pocket cost.
For anyone else who would like one, we have kept the cost down to $20 again this year.
People may have heard that for the first time in Australia there is an intranasal vaccination, Flumist, for children. This is a spray up each nostril and for some children might it be a good alternative if they are particularly scared of needles. This is a live attenuated vaccine, so is not appropriate for children with immune deficiency conditions. Unfortunately, since this is funded by State governments, Victoria has chosen not to subsidise this. Many other states have funded this. If a parent would like a private prescription for this vaccine please talk to your doctor. The cost varies between pharmacies from $50 to $75.

23/04/2026

The Elms Family Medical Centre will be closed on Anzac Day (Saturday). We will be open as usual on Monday.

01/04/2026

The Elms is closed over the Easter break (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday).
If you need urgent medical care over this period you could use either 1800MEDICARE by telephone or the Victorian Virtual ED for video consultation (search on Internet). Both these are at no cost to patients and both communicate with us (your usual general practice) regarding the outcome and recommendations.

Or there is the Urgent Care Centre at Bacchus Marsh Hospital. They also communicate with us. So we are able to continue caring for you with the knowledge of what has happened.

06/03/2026

This podcast has some excellent tips for people planning a pregnancy. The doctors who talk on this podcast do a lot of pregnancy care as do many of our doctors.
There’s also a follow up podcast regarding the first pregnancy visit (first antenatal visit). These appointments need more time than a standard appointment so please book a long appointment (or a standard one and expect a long follow up visit).

Podcast Episode · The Good GP · 2 February · 20m

05/03/2026

Today Dr Woody Wu and Dr Amit Kumar attended Ararat for an update training day for GP Supervisors of Deakin University Medical Students.
Thank you to all our generous patients who help our Medical Students to learn.

01/03/2026

Happy Autumn. Here’s the link to our quarterly newsletter for updates on what’s happening at The Elms

01/03/2026

Measles outbreak in Victoria and NSW. Please remember to check that you and your children are fully vaccinated with TWO doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine (MMR).
Measles is one of the most contagious airborne illnesses known to man and the vaccine is very, very effective (more effective than influenza and COVID vaccines) and two doses protects most people for life.
In order to protect those who can’t be vaccinated or are immunocompromised, we need community vaccination rates over 95%.
Vaccines are free and nurse vaccination appointments are bulk billed at The Elms.
There is no harm in getting an extra dose if you’re unsure about your vaccination status (you can check on MyGov- My Health Record or check with our nurses or doctors).
Those born before 1966 don’t need vaccination as most people in that era will have had the illness and been lucky enough to have survived. Those born after 1992 should already have received two doses as part of the national childhood immunisation program.

There is an increased risk of measles in Victoria linked to exposure in metropolitan Melbourne, as well as travel overseas and interstate.

06/02/2026

45-49 year old health checks Bulk Billed .
Please book with our receptionists to have one of these comprehensive check ups. It involves a detailed assessment with a nurse and then a doctor with possible blood tests and other investigations if appropriate. It is best done with a questionnaire completed prior to the appointment.
Medicare covers one of these in a lifetime. If you have already had one, you can pay normal fees for further check ups (with partial reimbursement from Medicare).

22/01/2026

Heatwave- protect yourself from the heat and stay well hydrated. Did you know more people die from hot weather complications than cold?
We are closed on Monday 26th January (Australia Day Public Holiday) but otherwise open usual hours Saturday and Tuesday.
If you need help over the long weekend consider the Victorian Virtual ED (see previous post) or the national nurse and GP on call via 1800Medicare (1800 633 422).

24/12/2025

We are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

If you need urgent attention on these days contact
- Nurse on Call 1300 60 60 24, or
- Victorian Virtual ED https://www.vved.org.au/ or
- attend Bacchus Marsh Hospital Urgent Care Service.

PLEASE NOTE: The VVED is a free, state-wide service. If you are contacted for payment, please do not disclose your personal details and refer the matter to vved@nh.org.au

15/12/2025

Please consider measles vaccination for adults born between 1966 and 1992. There is an increase in cases around the world and more people contracting it overseas and spreading it in Australia. It is one of the most infectious diseases known and the vaccine is one of the most effective. Two doses of MMR vaccination are required. Having an extra one doesn’t do harm if you can’t remember if you have had them.

12/12/2025

Christmas celebration at lunch today. Great socialising and relaxed fun with the “stealing Santa” gift exchange.