Flu Vaccination

2016 Flu Vaccine – Should be available from mid to late March.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by a virus and mainly spreads from person to person through the air by coughing, sneezing or talking, and touching a person’s hand, a surface or an object.

Influenza viruses change every year. This means that even if you had the flu or an immunisation one year, your body’s immune system might be unable to fight the changed version of the virus that will be circulating the following year.

There is no live virus in the flu vaccine.
The composition of the vaccine changes every year. In 2016, the publicly funded vaccine will be quadrivalent, which means it will contain 4 flu virus strains.
The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy.

A free flu vaccine is available for the following people*

* Anyone aged 65 and over
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 15 years of age.
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged from 6 months
* Pregnant women
* Anyone aged from 6 months and over with one of the following medical conditions

– heart disease
– severe asthma
– chronic lung condition
– chronic illness
– diseases of the nervous system
– impaired immunity
– diabetes
– children aged 6 months to 10 years who are on long term aspirin therapy

Immunity decreases over time and flu vaccination is needed each year to ensure you continue to be protected

Common side effects following seasonal flu vaccination include soreness, redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, vomiting and malaise. These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days without any treatment.

Some side effects may mimic the flu. The vaccine does not contain live virus and does not cause you to get influenza.

*consultation may be billed to the patient.

For more information visit Better Health Channel