Ochre Health explains what you need to know to avoid getting the flu this winter.

What is new in 2018? 

This year we have stronger flu vaccines for people aged over 65 and free vaccines for kids aged 6 months to under 5 years.

Who should get a flu vaccine?

 Everyone over 6 months. 

Am I eligible for the FREE flu vaccine?

The following groups can get a free flu vaccine:

• All kids from 6 months to under 5 years
• All indigenous people over 15 years of age
• All people over 65 years of age
• All pregnant women
• All people with a chronic disease (see further details below)

People over 65 are most in need of greater protection from influenza. For this reason, the over 65s (and only the over 65s) get the more potent flu vaccine.

Kids between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are at an increased risk of hospitalisation from the flu. 2018 is the first year that the flu vaccine has been made available to these kids for free. This is the case in all states that Ochre operates (NSW, ACT, QLD, TAS and VIC).

Remember the flu vaccine is safe for children and safe for pregnant women. 

I’m over 65 and I got a flu shot last year. What is different this year compared with last year’s flu vaccine?

 This is the first year that we are using the new and stronger vaccines. These vaccines are designed to generate a stronger immune response and offer greater protection – especially against the influenza type A strain that was prevalent last year. This strain is likely to be the most prevalent again this year.

As more than 90 per cent of the 1000 flu-related deaths in 2017 were people aged over 65 years, it is important that older Australians do all that they can to protect themselves this winter.

Can I catch influenza from the flu vaccine?

 Dr Hamish Meldrum, GP Obstetrician and Director of Medical Services at Ochre Health, says, “The flu vaccine is not a live vaccine, and therefore, you cannot contract the flu virus from the shot. However, some people may experience low-grade fevers and muscle aches after the shot. This is their immune system responding to the vaccine.” 

Is the flu vaccine safe if I’m pregnant?

 The new vaccines are safe at any stage of pregnancy for both mother and her unborn baby. Dr Meldrum strongly recommends pregnant women are vaccinated this year.

“The flu vaccine is an important part of protecting mums and babies. If you are coming in for your whooping cough immunisation at 28 weeks, don’t forget to ask for your flu vaccine as well,” says Dr Meldrum.

“If you had a flu shot while pregnant in 2017, and are still pregnant, it is safe to have a second flu shot this year.” 

I have a chronic illness. Does this put me at greater risk of severe flu?

 Yes, it does. For this reason, the government has made the free flu vaccines available for you.

For example, people with certain chronic illnesses such as cardiac disease, chronic respiratory conditions, chronic neurological conditions, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, renal disease, haematological disorders and impaired immunity all qualify for a free flu vaccine.

If you are unsure if your condition is covered by a free vaccine, make an appointment with your local GP. 

Can children have a flu vaccine?

 This year is the first year that most State and Territory governments are providing free flu shots for children aged between six months to under five years.

“As young children are more likely than adults to be hospitalised with a severe flu infection, we are doing more to encourage parents to bring in their kids and take advantage of the free vaccine,” says Dr Meldrum.

“For children, the vaccines are both safe and effective. By protecting them, we can also help stop the spread of infection to other vulnerable groups, including babies too young to receive the vaccine.” 

When is the right time to be immunised?

 While people can be affected by the flu at any time, the main flu season is over winter.

 “As the flu vaccine provides the most protection in the first three to four months after it is received, and with our peak flu season typically occurring between June and September, May is the ideal time to be vaccinated.”

Don’t wait. Go to www.ochrehealth.com.au and book your flu shot online.

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