Flu Vaccine Information

The influenza immunisation is Free for people who are most at risk:

• 65 years or older
• Pregnant
• Asthma on a regular preventer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Cancer (not currently on chemotherapy)
• Any other serious medical condition
• If you have a child under the age of 5 years who has been hospitalised for a respiratory illness, or has a history of significant respiratory illness

Non funded cost:     $35.00

Influenza Facts:

• Influenza isn't just a bad cold - it can be serious and can kill. The "flu" is usually sudden onset and starts with fever and body aches. Other symptoms may be a sore throat, headache, cough and fatigue. The fever usually lasts between 3 to 5 days. The cough and fatigue may last 2 weeks.
• Influenza spreads very easily and up to 1 in 4 of us come into contact with influenza every year.
• You are infectious just prior to getting the flu and for the fist 5 days if you an adult and 2 weeks if you are a child. Transmission is through direct contact - touch and inhalation of virus in droplets of moisture from breathing, coughing and sneezing.
• Even if you do not get sick, you can still carry the virus and infect family, friends and work colleagues.
• Immunisation is one of your best forms of protection
• Immunisation helps prepare your immune system to fight the flu and takes 2 weeks to work.
• You CANNOT get the flu from the vaccine as the vaccine does not contain live virus.
• Being fit and healthy will not stop you getting the flu

A small number of people, such as those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccine previously or those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, should not be vaccinated without first consulting their doctor.

Please talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.

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