FLU VACCINATION CLINIC
Western Obstetrics is providing a Flu Vaccination Clinic to our existing patients and their partners, enabling them to be immunised against Influenza for the present flu season, which typically lasts from May to October.
The Health Department is offering the vaccine free of charge, and patients with a valid Medicare card will not have to bear any out-of-pocket expenses.*
Common flu signs and symptoms include:
- Fever above 100 F (38 C), though not everyone with the flu has a fever.
- A cough or sore throat.
- A runny or stuffy nose.
- Headache.
- Muscle aches.
- Chills.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea (most common in children).
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a respiratory system virus that spreads rapidly and is highly contagious. The best way to safeguard yourself and those around you against the flu is through immunisation. To prevent the spread of the flu, it's essential to follow healthy hygiene practices such as washing your hands frequently and staying home when you're unwell.
Vaccination is a safe and effective method to protect oneself from severe disease caused by influenza. By getting vaccinated against the flu, you can also assist in safeguarding others, particularly those who are too sick or too young to receive vaccination. The greater the number of people vaccinated in your community, the less likely the illness will spread.
Immunisation against seasonal influenza is recommended for everyone aged from 6 months and over.
Influenza viruses are known to mutate every year because of their unique ability to alter their surface structure. This means that even if you had influenza or vaccination in the previous year, your immune system may not be able to fight the changed version of the virus that is prevalent the following year.
A new vaccine, typically referred to as the seasonal flu vaccine, is developed every year to offer protection against the most recent and circulating strains. The seasonal flu vaccination is designed to provide immunity against four strains of influenza viruses. The formulation of influenza vaccines used in Australia is decided each year by the Australian Influenza Vaccine committee, based on recommendations from the World Health Organisation.
Getting vaccinated with an influenza vaccine does not result in getting influenza, as it doesn't contain live or killed virus. However, it's possible to get exposed to influenza viruses shortly before or during the two-week period after vaccination when the body develops immune protection. Such exposure may cause you to become ill with influenza before vaccine protection takes effect. It's worth noting that symptoms of other respiratory viruses may also be mistaken for influenza symptoms. The influenza vaccine solely protects against influenza disease, not other illnesses.
Before receiving the influenza vaccine, your immunisation provider will go through a pre-screening checklist with you. Make sure to tell them if you (or your child):
- are unwell (have a temperature over 38.5°C).
- have had a serious reaction to any vaccine.
- have had a severe allergy to anything.
- are under 6 months of age.
- have had Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
People with a history of GBS have an increased likelihood in general of developing GBS again, and the chance of them coincidentally developing the syndrome following influenza vaccination may be higher than in persons with no history if GBS. Diagnosis of GBS is complex and must be made by a specialist. The only reason not to have an influenza vaccine is following a severe (anaphylactic) reaction to a previous dose of influenza vaccine, or to any component of any vaccine. Allergic reactions to an influenza vaccine are very rare. Your Doctor/Midwife provider will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.
Some people may experience common reactions such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and drowsiness after receiving the influenza vaccine. Typically, specific treatment is not necessary. However, like any medication, including the influenza vaccine, it may have potentially severe side effects, such as an allergic reaction. Nonetheless, the risk is extremely low. Serious reactions, such as allergic reactions, are very rare. If you experience an unexpected reaction or are unsure, seek advice from your healthcare provider, such as your doctor or midwife. If you believe your reaction is severe or life-threatening, you should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to your closest emergency department.
