With health authorities expecting the flu to make a resurgence this year due to the reopening of Australia’s borders, Goulburn Valley residents are being encouraged to get immunised.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation released this advice in March after seeing lower levels of flu vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pharmacist Bridget Anderson at Shepparton Amcal Pharmacy said the flu was noticeably reduced last year, with COVID-19 the main virus going around the community.
“They are noticing this year the flu virus is coming back to the levels we were used to seeing before COVID, so it’s really important for people to get that vaccination done to help protect them,” she said.
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone aged six months and older from April onwards, for the highest level of protection during the peak flu season from June to September.
“If [immunised people] do come into contact with the flu they should have a much milder reaction to it, rather than potentially being hospitalised,” Ms Anderson said.
A common misconception potentially holding people back from getting the vaccine is that it can give you the flu.
“It is a myth — it’s not a live vaccine so you don’t get the flu from the vaccine,” Ms Anderson said.
“What people may experience though is they can get a reaction that may give them flu-like symptoms.
“It’s not the flu, it’s just their body reacting to the vaccine and setting up a good immunity to it.”
Ms Anderson said the same good hygiene habits instilled for COVID-19 were important to help prevent picking up a cold or flu.
“Making sure to wash your hands well and sanitise, coughing into the elbow and not visiting people when you’re sick — especially vulnerable people.”
Flu vaccinations are available through local GPs, pharmacies and Greater Shepparton City Council, which is expecting its first delivery of vaccines shortly.
Bookings are required for council’s immunisation clinics on 5832 9731. For further information, visit: greatershepparton.com.au/community/safety-and-wellbeing/immunisation
FLU FAST FACTS
The flu vaccine is free through the National Immunisation Program for eligible people who are considered more at risk, including:
- Children from six months to less than five years of age.
- Adults aged 65 years and over.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over.
- Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy).
- People aged six months and over with medical conditions that increase the risk of complications.