Flu Vaccinations

 

With the 2024 flu season not far away, all Australians — and especially those in vulnerable groups or age brackets — should arrange vaccination against seasonal influenza during the month of May.

Barton General Practice has not has not received any vaccinations yet and not expected to until late April / early May.

Australians should speak to their GP, pharmacist or aged care provider to arrange a flu vaccination over the coming months.

Whilst flu vaccination does not prevent against COVID-19, a flu vaccination is critical to protecting the general health of Australians from influenza, which can take between 100 to 1,000 lives per year depending on the severity.

Expert medical advice is that everyone aged six months and over should be vaccinated against influenza this year, and every year, to protect themselves and others in the community.

The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to those most at risk, including:

  • pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy;

  • all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older;

  • people aged 65 years and older;

  • people aged six months and older with certain medical risk factors; and

  • for the first time, all children aged between six months and five years.

Influenza vaccines are also available through state and territory programs, and through private providers including GPs and community pharmacy.

Receiving a vaccination from April provides optimal protection in the peak period of influenza circulation, usually from June to September in most parts of Australia.

This year it is even more important to be vigilant about the flu because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinating against the flu will reduce the risk of a very dangerous double-up of flu and coronavirus—both diseases affecting the respiratory system.

Vaccinated people of all ages are less likely to get the flu and if they do, are less likely to have a severe case. Fewer cases and fewer severe cases of flu will result in less demand on our health care system.

The actions that we take to slow the spread of COVID-19 can also stop the spread of influenza and other viruses. Every one of us has a responsibility to contribute to this effort by:

  • practising good hygiene

  • practising social distancing

  • following the Government’s directions on public gatherings and workplaces, and

  • understanding how and when to self-isolate.

More information on the flu is available at https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/flu-influenza-immunisation-service.

Keep up to date with the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Government’s response at www.health.gov.au.

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