There will be an upgrade in 2016 to the annual influenza vaccination in that it will now be a quadrivalent vaccination.

That is it will contain 4 strains of influenza as opposed to the 3 strain trivalent vaccination that was in the vaccination program in 2015. Additionally in 2016 there will be a quadrivalent vaccination for children under 3 years of age.

2016 Influenza Season

We offer vaccinations for $20per vaccination which is less expensive than some other medical centres in the area and these vaccinations are given in a controlled environment. Please advise reception when booking you are requiring a flu vaccination.

We will be holding vaccination clinics on Wednesday mornings 0800 until 1000am and Thursday afternoons 1500 – 1700pm – small fee of $15 + the cost of the vaccine if not eligible for the government supplied vaccine.

Alternatively you can book in with our practice nurses or your GP for your flu vaccination.

If you are a business and are looking to vaccinate your staff, please contact us for more information on how we run our corporate vaccination program.

What is the flu?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, spreads easily from person to person through infected droplets in the air and by hands. Vaccination is the single most effective way of preventing and stopping its spread.

The flu virus infects your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. It is different from a cold as symptoms such as fever, sore throat and muscle aches develop suddenly and last about a week. In some cases, severe illness and complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis can develop, resulting in hospitalisation and/or death. The flu can also make some existing medical conditions worse.

Why should I get the flu shot?

Because the flu virus is constantly changing, you need to get vaccinated every year.

Every year, the flu vaccine changes too, so it protects against the three strains of flu virus which are most likely to be around during that winter. You should be vaccinated in autumn to allow time for the vaccine to work before the flu season starts. Even if you received a flu shot towards the end of the last flu season, you should still be vaccinated again before this flu season.

The flu vaccine does not contain any live virus therefore you cannot get flu from receiving the vaccine.

Who is eligible for the free flu shot?

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone from 6 months of age but is available free under the National Immunisation Program for people at high risk of complications. They are:

People 65 Years and Over

People aged 65 years and over have the highest risk of complications associated with seasonal flu.

Pregnant Women

The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and can be safely given during any stage of pregnancy. Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complications associated with the flu. Vaccinating against flu during pregnancy also provides protection for babies during their first vulnerable months of life.

People Medically at Risk

People with some existing medical conditions are more likely to experience complications from flu. These include anyone who is 6 months of age and over who has:

• Heart disease.
• Severe asthma.
• Chronic lung condition.
• Chronic illness requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the past year.
• Diseases of the nervous system.
• Impaired immunity.
• Diabetes.
• Children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy are also at risk of complications from flu.

Flu Vaccine Safety and Allergies

Vaccines, like other medicines, can have side effects, however the majority of side effects are minor.

Common side effects following flu vaccination include soreness, redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, drowsiness, tiredness, muscle aches and low grade temperature (fever). These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days, usually without any treatment. You should contact your doctor if you are concerned or your child has a persistent high temperature. Anyone with a severe reaction to eggs should talk to their immunisation provider before receiving the influenza vaccination.

There may be a small increase in the risk of fever when a child receives both the flu vaccine and the pneumococcal disease vaccine (13vPCV) at the same time. These two vaccines can be given separately, with a least a three day interval between them, to reduce the likelihood of fever. If you are concerned, you should discuss this option with your doctor or immunisation provider.

Australia has rigorous systems in place to monitor adverse events following vaccination to ensure the ongoing safety of the National Immunisation Program.

Important Facts About the Flu Shot

• Approximately 2,800 Australians die every year, either directly from the seasonal flu, complications due to the flu, or pneumonia.
• Flu vaccinations are the single most effective way of helping fight the spread of flu in the community.
• If you are a person at high risk, talk with your doctor or immunisation provider about getting the free flu vaccine.