Protect Yourself Against The Flu

May 24, 2022 2:58 am

News reports have claimed Australia is on track for a particularly bad flu season this year. For almost two years, the flu has been all but eradicated in Australia, but experts say the nation’s influenza hiatus is set to end in the coming months.

Infectious diseases experts now say it’s a matter of when, not if, influenza will return to Australia with international borders now open, and they are worried that people may have forgotten how severe the disease can be and forgo their annual flu jab.

Last year’s influenza season was fairly mild however vaccination against flu is especially important this year, given COVID-19 is also circulating in the community and seniors are urged to prepare for the flu season.

The flu vaccine is free through the National Immunisation Program for children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, people 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those with medical conditions that put them at higher risk.

People aged 65 and over can book in a free flu shot at pharmacies and GPs.

Getting the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu by up to 60 per cent and most importantly it provides vital protection against severe illness and death.

This is especially important for those who are immunocompromised or living in close proximity to someone who is susceptible to serious illness from influenza.

People aged 65 and over are recommended to have the enhanced quadrivalent vaccine (Fluad® Quad), which stimulates a greater immune response in this age group, known to have a weaker response to vaccination.