It’s been a lot chillier in the mornings this past week. The change in weather means many things – the start of footy season, doonas on the bed – but also flu season.
I had my flu vaccination at Park Ridge pharmacy last week and I’d encourage you to get one too.
We are all focussed on COVID vaccinations – as we should be – but influenza is also a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalisation and death. Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Certain groups of high risk individuals are eligible for a free vaccine:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- People aged 65 years or over.
Flu season in Queensland generally runs from June to September, with the peak usually in August. Getting a flu shot in April provides protection before the peak starts, with the best protection occurring within the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination.
Vaccine isn’t immediately effective and it generally takes 10 to 14 days to be fully protected.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has advised the preferred minimum interval between a season influenza and Covid-19 vaccination is 14 days.
For more general information on flu vaccination, talk to your own doctor or visit:
Queensland Health at health.qld.gov.au, or Federal Government Health Department: health.gov.au/health-topics/
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