Should I Get The Flu Shot This Year?

Every year, Australians are exposed to influenza and need to stay up to date with their flu shots. Due to the ever-adapting nature of influenza viruses, vaccinations from previous years just can’t keep up, thus requiring a yearly flu shot in order to stay protected. Furthermore, the protection offered by previous years’ flu shots diminishes in effectiveness over time.

Flu shots are therefore recommended every year. Australia’s Chief Medical Officer has recently issued a statement recommending that anyone aged 6 months or older ought to be immunised against influenza this year. 

Ascot Family Practice in Brisbane offers immunisation according to the Australian National Immunisation Programme (NIP) for children and adults alike, so come visit us ifor your vaccination this year.

When Should I Get Vaccinated?

Our GPs recommend that you be vaccinated in mid-April in order to be protected between June and September and before peak season in August. Since vaccinations typically take 2 to 3 weeks to develop immunity and can take 3 to 4 months to develop peak immunity, the earlier you’re vaccinated, the better. 

Late vaccinations are better than no vaccinations, so don’t neglect your flu shot if you haven’t had one yet and give us a call to book your appointment. Alternatively, you may use our online booking system which can be found on our home page.

How Much does Vaccination Cost?

Thanks to the National Immunisation Programme, Ascot Family Practice provides free influenza vaccinations to many eligible Australians every year. The NIP has secured 6 million doses of influenza vaccine for 2019 for the following Australians who in some cases, may be more vulnerable:

• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People aged 6 months and older
• Adults aged 65 and over
• Adults and children aged 6 months and older with extenuating medical conditions
• All pregnant women

If you’re unsure of whether or not you’re eligible, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Preventing the Spread of Influenza

Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the spread of influenza. If you’ve contracted the flu, however, here are a few helpful tips to reduce the spread and to keep incidences of flu under control:

• Wash your hands: proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to minimise the spreading of illnesses and influenza. Whether or not you’re feeling the symptoms of a cold or flu, regular and thorough handwashing is always a good idea.
• Cover your coughing and sneezing: airborne illnesses spread quickly through coughing and sneezing, so be sure to cover your mouth and nose when you feel a cough or sneeze coming about.
• Don’t share with others: cups, plates, towels, and other common items will carry your germs, so don’t share with others if you feel that you’re under the weather.
• Keep your home and office clean: all surfaces that you regularly come into contact with should be regularly cleaned to reduce the spread of germs. Computer keyboards, tables, desks, and door handles should all be kept clean.
• Get plenty of rest: staying home for the day will help you to recover, and because it keeps you away from your workplace, it also protects your colleagues from your germs.

Consult Your GP if in Doubt

There are many home remedies for the flu that can help bring you relief and can assist with a speedy recovery, but always consult your GP if something doesn’t feel right and call 000 if you are in an emegency situation or . Influenza can be lethal, particularly for vulnerable people such as infants and the elderly.

Antibiotics can help with many bacterial infections, but they won’t help you if you’ve got influenza. Avoid taking antibiotics, as influenza is a virus rather than a bacterial infection. Furthermore, internet remedies are no substitute for the professional medical advice of qualified doctors, so don’t take your chances. Visit Ascot Family Practice in Brisbane if you’ve got any enquiries regarding influenza and vaccination.