Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu Vaccination

With flu season on the horizon it’s important to get educated about how to best minimise your chance of contracting and spreading the flu, and vaccination is the best way to do this! With vaccines being a hot topic at the moment, it’s important to know the facts so below we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions we see in our practices regarding the flu vaccine.

 

Question #1: Can I be vaccinated against influenza if I have an Egg allergy?

Yes, people with Egg allergy including anaphylaxis can be safely vaccinated with influenza vaccine. Please discuss with your health provider if you have any concerns.

 

Question #2: Can I be vaccinated against influenza if I have a latex allergy?

Yes, all of the government funded influenza vaccines are latex free, if you have a latex allergy please discuss this with your health professional but there are vaccines that are safe for you.

 

Question #3: Am I going to need two vaccinations this season?

In previous years this has been recommended to cover individuals for the entire flu season however it has not been recommended this year. There is no danger if you do end up somehow having two vaccinations this season.

 

Question #4: When will my flu vaccine start working?

The antibody response to the influenza vaccine takes about 2 weeks after you have the vaccination to kick in, and provides optimal cover for about 4 months after you have had the vaccination.

 

Question #5: Does the influenza vaccination really work?

Yes it does! Studies show that it reduces the chance of getting influenza by about 60% and your chance of being hospitalized for severe influenza by close to 90%.

 

Question #6: Why are there different vaccines for over 65’s?

The reason for this is that this age group is often more at risk of the flu and more detrimental complications which can come from influenza. The government has provided free vaccination for those over 65 that creates a very strong immunity against the strains that they think are going to be most dangerous to them that year.

 

As always consult with your GP or health professional to get advice that is right for you and check out the link below for more information: www.immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au