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Flu vaccines more important than ever this year

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.
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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.

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