Vaccinations are now available for the 2019 Flu season
Immunisation is now available for the influenza vaccination. If you are otherwise well and over 16 years of age you can have the influenza vaccination at your local pharmacy, or possibly at your work place if they offer it, and we would definitely encourage this! If you are in this group and are coming to the GP to get an influenza vaccination, you will need to get a prescription for influenza vaccination and pay for this at the pharmacy before your appointment with your GP.
If you meet 1 of the following criteria then you could be eligible for a government funded immunization and should make an appointment at your local general practice.
At Blackbutt and Our Town Doctors Surgery, we have government funded vaccines available for you. Take a look at our website on the link below to see influenza vaccination times at our surgeries by clicking here.
Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age (including Aboriginal and medically at risk)
- all individuals aged 5 years and over with medical risk conditions, namely:
- cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
- chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma
- other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, and haemoglobinopathies
- chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders
- impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use
- children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.all people aged 65 years and over
- pregnant women (influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
- people aged 65 years and over (vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).
If you do contract influenza, treatment is available and in some cases recommended. It can protect those most vulnerable to the complications of influenza if begun within 48 hours and even better within 24 hours. Please discuss with your health professional if this is appropriate for you and keep an eye out for our other blogs and videos around protecting yourself and your family form the flu this season.
