Preventive Health Care in Wollongong
Our GPs and nurses at Illawarra General Practice help patients from Wollongong and across the Illawarra stay on top of their health, with health screening, vaccinations, lifestyle support and health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card, and vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free for eligible patients.
What is preventive health care?
Preventive health care means checking for health risks and early signs of disease before problems develop or while they're easier to manage. It includes screening tests, vaccinations, regular check-ups and support with lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, diet and physical activity. Your GP can tell you which checks and vaccines are recommended for your age, sex, health and family history.
Health screening in Wollongong
Screening looks for early signs of disease in people who feel well. Your GP can explain which screening is recommended for you, arrange tests and follow up your results.
National cancer screening programs
- Cervical screening: every five years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74
- Breast screening: free mammograms through BreastScreen NSW every two years for women aged 50 to 74, and available from age 40
- Bowel cancer screening: a free home test kit every two years for people aged 45 to 74
- Lung cancer screening: free low-dose CT scans every two years for eligible people aged 50 to 70 with a significant smoking history, requested by your GP
Other health checks your GP may recommend
- Heart Health Checks for people aged 45 and over, or 30 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Type 2 diabetes risk checks
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- Bone density testing for eligible people, including people aged 70 and over
- Skin checks if you have new or changing spots
Screening and checks by age
| Age | Checks to ask your GP about |
|---|---|
| 25 and over | Cervical screening (to 74) |
| 40 and over | Breast screening available; diabetes and heart risk |
| 45 and over | Bowel screening; Heart Health Check |
| 50 and over | Breast screening invitations; lung cancer screening if eligible |
| 65 and over | Free flu and shingles vaccines |
| 70 and over | Free pneumococcal vaccine; bone density testing |
| 75 and over | Annual Medicare health assessment |
Vaccinations in Wollongong
Our GPs and nurses can check which vaccines are recommended for you, catch up any you've missed and record them on the Australian Immunisation Register.
Free vaccines for adults
Under the National Immunisation Program, free vaccines are available for eligible people, including:
- Annual flu vaccine for people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, and people with certain medical conditions
- Shingles vaccine for people aged 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over
- Pneumococcal vaccine for people aged 70 and over, and other eligible groups
- Whooping cough and RSV vaccines during pregnancy
Vaccines outside the program, such as flu vaccines for people who aren't eligible for a free dose, may have a cost. We'll let you know before your appointment.
- Children's vaccines
- Travel vaccines
- Your vaccination records
You can view and download your immunisation history statement through your Medicare Online Account or the Express Plus Medicare app.
Healthy lifestyle support
Your GP can give practical advice and support with:
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol
- Nutrition and healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Sleep and stress
- Weight and related health risks
Where helpful, your GP can refer you to a dietitian, exercise physiologist or other services. You can also contact the NSW Quitline on 13 7848 for free support to quit smoking.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and aim to provide care that is culturally safe and respectful. Please let our reception team know if you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, so we can make sure you can access the health checks and support available to you.
Annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health check
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages can have a Medicare-funded health check every year. Your GP and nurse will look at your physical health, social and emotional wellbeing, and any support you may need. After your health check, your GP may refer you for Medicare-funded follow-up allied health services if needed.
Medicines and vaccines
Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients may be able to get PBS medicines at a lower cost or free through the Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment Program. Additional free vaccines are also available under the National Immunisation Program. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what you're eligible for.
Ongoing care
Our GPs can also help with chronic condition management, sexual health, immunisations and mental health care plans.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your age, sex, health and family history. Your GP can review what's recommended for you and help you stay up to date.
Yes. People aged 45 to 74 can receive a free home test kit every two years through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. If you're aged 45 to 49, you can request your first kit.
People aged 50 to 70 with no symptoms of lung cancer who currently smoke or quit within the past 10 years, and have a significant smoking history. Your GP can check your eligibility and request the scan.
People aged 50 to 70 with no symptoms of lung cancer who currently smoke or quit within the past 10 years, and have a significant smoking history. Your GP can check your eligibility and request the scan.