Immunisation
What is influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious disease caused by viruses spread through infected droplets in the air. Symptoms include extreme tiredness, fever, chills, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache and muscle aches. You could be off work for a few days to a week, and you are infectious from a day before symptoms start to up to five days afterwards.
A cold may have similar symptoms but is caused a non-influenza virus, such a rhinovirus, and is generally less severe, without muscle pains, chills and fever.
When is the flu season and how often should I get the vaccination?
In Australia, outbreaks of influenza occur every year usually between May and September. That’s why we recommend being vaccinated in early autumn, so that you’re protected when the season begins.
As flu travels through populations, the viruses change into new strains from year to year. This is why annual vaccination is so important; few of us have immunity against each new strain of the flu virus. Each year, the flu vaccine is formulated to protect you against the most common strains of influenza expected that season.
How does the vaccine work?
The vaccine contains an inactive form of the most common flu viruses of the upcoming flu season. After vaccination, your body is prompted to make antibodies that protect you from the virus. The vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot give you influenza.
Protection generally begins two weeks after vaccination and is expected to last at least one year.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone should get an annual flu vaccination as part of their general healthcare. Those who are at risk of complications if they do catch the flu (see below) are especially recommended to be vaccinated. Furthermore, an annual vaccination is strongly recommended for:
- Pregnant women
- Parents and guardians of infants up to six months old (please note the flu vaccine is not approved for infants younger than six months)
- People with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, cancer, neurological disease, heart disease, kidney diseases
- People who are severely obese
- Indigenous Australians
- Frontline health workers
- Community care workers
- Those living in a household with a person who fits into a high risk category, or who works closely with an individual who is at risk.
What are the possible complications of the flu?
Complications include an infection in the ears, nose, throat or lungs (pneumonia). In children under six, the fever can cause seizures or fits. Those more likely to have complications from the flu include:
- Young children
- The elderly, or those who live in a care home
- People with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, cancer, neurological disease, heart disease, kidney diseases
- Those with reduced immunity, e.g. those with HIV/AIDS or who have had their spleen removed.
Am I eligible for a free flu vaccine?
Under the National Immunisation Program, flu vaccination is free for:
- People aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- Indigenous Australians aged 15 and over
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Anyone who is over six months of age with a condition which predisposes them to severe influenza; and/or
- Requires regular treatment for conditions such as heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, kidney disease, diabetes, impaired immunity and chronic neuromuscular diseases.
If you’re not eligible for a free flu shot, Vogue Medical provides the flu vaccine at the price of $25