Influenza (Flu)
Immunisation
Getting the influenza (flu) vaccine yearly is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu and its potentially serious complications. It is a safe and effective way to prevent not only yourself but others who are immunocompromised, or are too young to get vaccinated.
What is Influenza?
Influenza is a viral infection which travels through the air via droplets, and attacks your respiratory system, especially the nose, throat and lungs. These droplets can form when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks, allowing you to inhale the droplets directly or pick them up from an object (such as your phone or keyboard) and transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.
When people are infected with the virus, they are contagious from about a day before symptoms appear and five days after they start. However, people with weakened immune systems, such as younger children, may be contagious for a longer time.
The influenza virus is constantly evolving, allowing new strains to appear regularly, making it challenging for your body to stay immune to the virus. The antibodies that your body has made from past encounters with the virus may not protect you from new influenza strains that have formed.
Why Should I get vaccinated against Influenza?
Getting vaccinated against influenza is important as it allows your body to form new antibodies which can protect you against the new and evolved strains of the virus.
The Australian Government emphasises that "by getting vaccinated against influenza, you can also help protect other people, especially people who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread."
It is recommended to get vaccinated once a year to ensure that you have protection against the contagious effects of the influenza virus.
Who can be vaccinated against influenza?
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone ≥6 months of age.
Influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for:
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children aged 6 months to <5 years
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adults aged ≥65 years
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
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people with medical conditions that increase their risk of influenza
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homeless people
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pregnant women
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healthcare workers, carers and household contacts of people in high-risk groups
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residents, staff, volunteers and visitors to aged care and long-term residential facilities
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commercial poultry and pork industry workers
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people who provide essential community services
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people who are travelling during influenza season
People Who Have Higher Risk of Influenza
People with the following medical conditions have a higher risk of influenza:
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immunocompromising conditions, such as HIV, malignancy, functional or anatomical asplenia, and chronic steroid use
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receiving immuno-oncology therapy
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received a haematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant
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cardiac disease
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Down syndrome
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obesity
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chronic respiratory conditions
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chronic neurologic conditions
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chronic liver disease
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other chronic illnesses that need medical follow-up or hospitalisation
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long-term aspirin therapy in children (aged 6 months to 10 years)
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preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation)
Getting Vaccinated
We will be providing the flu vaccine to current patients of the practice for the year 2022 commencing at the end of March.
Appointments can be made by calling the practice or by booking an appointment online through the booking system HotDoc.
Any questions or concerns can be answered either by the nurse on the day of the appointment or by the receptionist if you are calling to schedule the appointment.
