Why you should get your annual flu vaccine now
The dreaded flu season is just around the corner. Here’s why now is the perfect time is for you and your family to book a flu vaccine appointment.
Influenza (commonly called the flu) is a contagious infection of the airways that can cause mild to severe illness and even lead to death.
Nothing about the flu is fun, with symptoms ranging from fever, fatigue and headache to muscle aches, sore throat and cough.
In Australia, flu season typically peaks from June through to September. But try as you might to stay healthy, it can be difficult to avoid getting sick.
Which is where your annual flu vaccination and a few other common sense measures should come into play, according to infectious diseases paediatrician Professor Robert Booy.
“The highest level of protection occurs in the first three to four months following vaccination, so people should be looking to get vaccinated as soon as it’s available, from March or April onwards,” Prof Booy says.
“You can still get the flu but if you’ve been vaccinated it’s likely to be less severe.
“Ongoing hand hygiene is also important and vulnerable people who are more at risk should wear masks when out and about.”
Listen to The House of Wellness radio team’s discussion on the importance of getting a flu vaccine ahead of this flu season:
What sort of a flu season are we in for?
Australia had a record low flu season in 2021 because of interventions in place to control Covid – think masks, social distancing and border controls.
Then case numbers were higher in 2022. Now, experts are preparing for what this year might bring.
“When we look around the world, we see that all sorts of infections that were in abeyance during the pandemic are now surging because people are mixing in large numbers and still have reduced immunity from a lack of exposure during Covid,” Prof Booy says.
“That includes respiratory viruses such as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and the flu, and bacterial infections like meningococcal.”
Covid is also still putting a strain on the health system.
“So, people with multiple medical problems, who tend to be over 50, should be seeing their GP for antiviral medication if they have worrying respiratory problems,” Prof Booy advises.
Who should get vaccinated?
The Australian Government recommends everyone aged six months and over should be immunised against seasonal flu.
As the flu virus is constantly evolving to beat our immune system, the vaccine is designed around four specific strains each year.
On The House of Wellness radio show, Gerald Quigley says the annual vaccination formulation changes each year, based on strains in the most recent northern hemisphere flu season.
“Particularly if you are going to be travelling, it’s very important that you get the up-to-date flu vaccination and get a certificate to verify that as well,” he says.
Influenza vaccines are free to people from high-risk groups identified in the National Immunisation Program Schedule and they should seek advice from their health practitioner.
(Note, your vaccination provider may charge a consultation fee for this service.)
High-risk groups include children aged six months to less than five years; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over; people aged six months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of severe influenza and its complications; pregnant women; and people aged 65 years and over.
“People need to take their health seriously and do what they can to protect themselves, their family and others in their community against getting sick,” Prof Booy says.
More tips to stay healthy and well:
- 23 easy ways to boost your health and wellness in 2023
- Foods to boost your immune system
- How to wash your hands properly
Written by Liz McGrath.
