Flu Archives - Illawarra Medical Centre https://illawarramedical.com.au/category/flu/ Providing superior health care to families and local businesses in the Ballajura area for more than 25 years Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:35:53 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 New nasal flu vaccine available for kids https://illawarramedical.com.au/new-nasal-flu-vaccine-available-for-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-nasal-flu-vaccine-available-for-kids Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:11:45 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9326 Getting your kids vaccinated against the flu each year can sometimes be tricky, particularly if you have a child who doesn’t like needles. The good news is that this year, some Australian children will have the option to receive a new, needle-free nasal flu vaccine, thanks to the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s recent registration of FluMist®. […]

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Getting your kids vaccinated against the flu each year can sometimes be tricky, particularly if you have a child who doesn’t like needles.

The good news is that this year, some Australian children will have the option to receive a new, needle-free nasal flu vaccine, thanks to the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s recent registration of FluMist®.

In Western Australia, FluMist® will be available free for children aged from 2 to 11 years, through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). 

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at this new vaccine and the outlook for this year’s flu season.

What is the flu?

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating.

Most people experience symptoms, such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • General aches and pains

Children, however, can experience more uncommon symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high-risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Flu Vaccines

The flu vaccine is recommended for every Australian aged 6 months and over.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), including:

  • Children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
    • heart disease
    • severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
    • chronic lung conditions
    • diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
    • impaired immunity
    • diabetes
    • kidney disease
    • haemoglobinopathies
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

Vaccination is also strongly recommended for those who:

  • Work in certain jobs and industries (including aged care and health care)
  • Travel to certain countries
  • Are planning a pregnancy

As the strain of flu changes every year, so too does the influenza vaccine. That is why it’s important to get vaccinated each year.

This year, we are seeing a new, fast-moving strain of influenza dubbed “Super-K” circulating earlier than normal, with high case numbers already experienced in a number of areas throughout Australia.

Staying up-to-date with your vaccines is vital, as it helps to reduce the spread of these viruses and protects your family and the wider community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

Nasal vaccines

This flu season, for the first time ever, WA children aged from 2 to 11 years will be eligible for the Flu Mist® vaccine.

FluMist® is a needle-free influenza vaccine that is administered via a quick nasal spray containing small amounts of weakened influenza viruses. These viruses work by mimicking a natural infection to help build immunity, and the vaccine remains effective even if a child sneezes shortly after administration.

FluMist® offers a safe, child-friendly alternative to traditional injections and is designed to increase vaccination uptake amongst this cohort.

According to the WA Department of Health, only 17 per cent of Western Australian children in this age group are currently vaccinated against influenza.

Given that 2025 saw a large increase in the number influenza cases nationally, and the highest number of influenza-related deaths this century, increased vaccination rates will be crucial to protect children, vulnerable populations, and the wider community from severe illness this year.

Are flu vaccines safe?

Yes. Flu vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe. You cannot get influenza from having the influenza vaccine, as it is made from the killed virus, not living viruses.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the flu vaccine causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

As it can take up to two weeks to develop immunity, it is generally recommended to get your flu vaccine in the autumn months of April and May, so that you are protected in time for the peak influenza season, which normally occurs in winter.

Flu vaccines in Australia will be available from April and people are encouraged to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.

Flu Clinics at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre will run flu vaccination clinics at our practice again this year, as soon as stocks become available, so keep an eye out for details over the coming weeks!

Bookings will be essential for these clinics. Please visit the website or contact us on (08) 9208 6400 for further details or to make a booking.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Triple virus threat for winter highlights importance of vaccination https://illawarramedical.com.au/triple-virus-threat-for-winter-highlights-importance-of-vaccination/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=triple-virus-threat-for-winter-highlights-importance-of-vaccination Mon, 22 May 2023 04:27:14 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=6918 There have been a lot reports in recent weeks about the looming triple virus threat of RSV, COVID and influenza hitting hard this winter. In this month’s blog, we take a look at each of these viruses, how they differ, and how you vaccination can help protect yourself and your family from them this coming […]

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There have been a lot reports in recent weeks about the looming triple virus threat of RSV, COVID and influenza hitting hard this winter. In this month’s blog, we take a look at each of these viruses, how they differ, and how you vaccination can help protect yourself and your family from them this coming winter.

RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (or RSV) usually presents as a mild respiratory infection. The virus infects the airways and lungs and commonly causes coughs and colds during winter.

Its symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing

It can also cause ear infections. While RSV mostly presents as a mild infection, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Children are most at risk, with 3.6 million children worldwide hospitalised with the virus every year.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. 

Thanks to the impact of vaccines and the health measures undertaken over the last few years, the World Health Organization recently declared that the virus was no longer a public health emergency, but an established and ongoing health issue.

COVID-19 symptoms can vary from mild to severe, with the most common symptoms being:

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath

Other symptoms can include:

  • Runny nose or congestion
  • Headache or fatigue
  • Muscle or joint pains
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WA has recorded 1,326,071 confirmed cases and 1,053 deaths from COVID (as at 12 May 2023 – https://covidlive.com.au/report/daily-deaths/wa). Globally, that figure increases to almost 765,903,278 confirmed cases and close to 7 million deaths (https://covid19.who.int/).

Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating.

Most people experience symptoms, such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • General aches and pains

Children, however, can experience more uncommon symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high-risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Vaccination offers best protection

With all three viruses already circulating throughout the community, it is expected there will be increased pressure on our health system and hospitals as winter hits. Contracting a combination of RSV, flu and/or COVID-19 could also have severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable people in our community.

That’s why staying up-to-date with your vaccines is vital, as it helps to reduce the spread of these viruses and protects your family and the wider community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

What vaccines are currently available?

RSV Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine available for RSV. However, a vaccine may not be too far away, with new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing the development of an RSV vaccine that, when given to pregnant women, was 81.8% effective in preventing severe disease within 90 days of birth and 69.4% effective in preventing severe disease within 180 days of birth.

In the meantime, you can help prevent the spread of the virus by:

  • Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Staying home, when sick, or wearing a mask when leaving the house and avoiding close contact with others.
  • Regularly cleaning surfaces and items that may be contaminated with disinfectant.
COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 5 years and older and there are currently three vaccines available for use in Australia:

  • Pfizer (Comirnaty)
  • Spikevax (Moderna)
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax)

Some people may previously have received the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID vaccine; however, this vaccine is no longer available in Australia (as of 20 March 2023).

All adults who have not had a COVID-19 booster or a confirmed case in the past six months are encouraged to get another booster to give them additional protection against severe illness from COVID, regardless of the number of prior doses received.

This additional booster dose is particularly recommended for those at risk of severe illness, including:

  • anyone aged 65 years and over; and
  • adults who have medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs. 

ATAGI advice currently states that otherwise healthy children and teenagers do not need a booster at this time, given the low incidence of severe illness and high level of hybrid immunity amongst this cohort.

Influenza Vaccines

Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get vaccinated annually against influenza.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).

This includes:

  • Children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
    • heart disease
    • severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
    • chronic lung conditions
    • diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
    • impaired immunity
    • diabetes
    • kidney disease
    • haemoglobinopathies
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

In Western Australia, the flu vaccine is also free fro ALL primary school aged children from Pre-Primary to Year 6. Vaccination is also strongly recommended for those who:

  • Work in certain jobs and industries (including aged care and health care).
  • Travel to certain countries.
  • Are planning a pregnancy.

In Western Australia, the influenza vaccine is currently free for all Western Australians throughout May at participating GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe and you cannot get the virus from having the relevant vaccine.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the vaccines causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

Can I get my flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes. You can have your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

When booking in for your flu vaccination, however, it’s important to tell your vaccination provider if you are also wanting to receive your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, so that they can best plan your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns about getting your COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at the same time, speak to your GP prior to booking in any vaccinations.

Vaccinations at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre currently has stocks of both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines available. We are also running Influenza Vaccination Clinics every Friday, for those looking to get their annual flu vaccine.

Bookings are essential. Visit the website or contact us on (08) 9208 6400 for further details.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Flu vaccines more important than ever this year https://illawarramedical.com.au/flu-vaccines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=flu-vaccines Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:03:54 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=5613 Western Australia has been relatively lucky over the past two years, with COVID-19 restrictions contributing to historically low levels of influenza in the community. However, with many restrictions now lifted and WA’s borders reopened to the world, it is more important than ever to get your annual flu vaccination this year. What is influenza? Influenza, […]

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Western Australia has been relatively lucky over the past two years, with COVID-19 restrictions contributing to historically low levels of influenza in the community. However, with many restrictions now lifted and WA’s borders reopened to the world, it is more important than ever to get your annual flu vaccination this year.

What is influenza?

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that is easily spread through coughing, touching and sneezing.

It can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating. While most people experience symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, cough, tiredness and general aches and pains, children can experience more uncommon symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Who should get vaccinated?

Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get vaccinated annually against influenza.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP). This includes:

  • Children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
    • heart disease
    • severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
    • chronic lung conditions
    • diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
    • impaired immunity
    • diabetes
    • kidney disease
    • haemoglobinopathies
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

In Western Australia, all primary school aged children from pre-primary to Year 6, are also eligible to receive the influenza vaccine for free.

Vaccination is also strongly recommended for those who:

  • Work in certain jobs and industries (including aged care and health care).
  • Travel to certain countries.
  • Are planning a pregnancy.
children_group_hugging_happy

With COVID-19 already actively circulating throughout the community, having both flu and COVID-19 circulating at the same time could have severe consequences for vulnerable people and place increased pressure on our health system and hospitals.

That’s why the flu vaccine remains key to helping reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza this year.

By getting vaccinated against flu, you are also helping to reduce the spread of the disease and protecting your family and the wider community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

This brochure from the Australian Government Department of Health provides more information on how to best protect yourself from influenza in 2022>>

Is the flu vaccine safe?

Yes. Flu vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe. You cannot get influenza from having the influenza vaccine, as it is made from the killed virus, not living viruses.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the flu vaccine causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

As it can take up to two weeks to develop immunity, it is generally recommended to get your flu vaccine in Autumn, so that you are protected in time for the peak influenza season, which normally occurs in winter.

Do I need to have my flu vaccine if I’ve had my COVID-19 vaccines?

Yes. The flu is caused by a different virus to COVID-19 and the dominant flu strain can change each year. That’s why, it’s important for you get vaccinated against influenza every year and even if you’ve had your COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, it is best to wait until you have fully recovered before getting your influenza vaccine.

Can I get my flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes. You can have your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine given on the same day.

When booking in for your flu vaccination, however, it’s important to tell your vaccination provider if you are also wanting to receive your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, so that they can best plan your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns about getting your COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at the same time, speak to your GP prior to booking in any vaccinations.

Flu Clinics at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre is currently running flu vaccination clinics at our practice, as stocks become available. If you are wanting to get your COVID-19 vaccination at the same time as your flu vaccination, please book in via our COVID-19 clinics instead.

Bookings are essential. Book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Why you should get your flu vaccine this year https://illawarramedical.com.au/flu-vaccine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=flu-vaccine Thu, 22 Apr 2021 05:56:02 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=4451 With all the focus on COVID-19 vaccines in recent months, many people may be wondering if they need to bother with their annual flu vaccine this year. The short answer is YES! Flu remains a potentially serious disease and it is important to continue to vaccinate against it each and every year. What is influenza? […]

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With all the focus on COVID-19 vaccines in recent months, many people may be wondering if they need to bother with their annual flu vaccine this year.

The short answer is YES! Flu remains a potentially serious disease and it is important to continue to vaccinate against it each and every year.

What is influenza?

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that is easily spread through coughing, touching and sneezing. It can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating.

While most people experience symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, cough, tiredness and general aches and pains, children can experience more uncommon symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Who should get vaccinated?

Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get vaccinated annually against influenza.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP). This includes:

  • Children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
    • heart disease
    • severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
    • chronic lung conditions
    • diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
    • impaired immunity
    • diabetes
    • kidney disease
    • haemoglobinopathies
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

In Western Australia, all primary school aged children from pre-primary to Year 6, are also eligible to receive the influenza vaccine for free.

While social distancing, travel restrictions and good hygiene measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a decline in flu cases and deaths last year, the flu vaccine remains key to helping reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza this year.

This brochure from the Australian Government Department of Health provides more information on how to protect yourself from influenza in 2021. View brochure here>>

Is the flu vaccine safe for children?

Children under 5 years of age are one of the groups at greatest risk of developing this highly contagious viral disease and experiencing serious health complications as a result.

Flu vaccines are perfectly safe for children. Like any vaccine, it is possible that some children may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the flu vaccine causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

How safe is the vaccine for pregnant women?

The influenza vaccine has been given safely to millions of pregnant women worldwide over many years and pregnant women are strongly recommended to get the influenza vaccine.

Those who do get influenza while pregnant are at higher risk of hospitalization, and even death, than non-pregnant women.

Not only does the vaccine protect pregnant mothers against influenza, it also helps to protect their unborn babies from the disease.

In fact, research shows that the risk of stillbirth is reduced by 51% in pregnant women who are immunised against influenza. The antibodies produced by pregnant mothers from the influenza immunisation can also help to protect their babies for up to 6 months after birth.

Click here for more information on the influenza vaccine in pregnancy>>

Which vaccine should I get first – COVID or flu?

With both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines available at the same time in Australia, it can be difficult to know which vaccine to get first and when.

COVID-19 vaccination remains a priority, so if you meet Phase 1a or 1b eligibility, it is recommended you book in for your COVID-19 vaccine first.

Those in these categories include:

  • Quarantine, border and front line health care workers
  • Frontline health care workers
  • Aged care and disability care staff
  • Aged care and disability care residents
  • Patients aged 70 years and over
  • Health care workers
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 55 years and over
  • Adults with an underlying medical condition or significant disability
  • Critical and high risk workers, including defence, police, fire, emergency services, and meat processing workers.

Check your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine here>>

Even if you do get your COVID-19 vaccine first, the flu vaccine can be given in between your two COVID-19 vaccine doses, so long as they are given 14 days apart.

If you are not yet eligible to receive your COVID-19 vaccination, then you should book in for your flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

When booking in for your flu vaccination, it’s important to tell your vaccination provider if you have received the COVID-19 vaccine and when, so that they can best plan your appointment.

Flu Clinics at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre will be running flu vaccination clinics at our practice, as stocks become available. We currently have flu vaccines available for those aged 65 years and over.

Our flu clinics will be held at our adjacent DermCosmesis building and are available Monday to Friday from 9am-12pm and 2-3pm.

Bookings are essential. Visit the website for further details or to make a booking.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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