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Flu Vaccination Moonee Ponds
• How could a flu vaccination help
The flu vaccine may help assist to protect you and your loved ones from infection caused by the influenza virus. Simply, the more people who are vaccinated in the community from the flu virus, the less likely it is for the disease to spread.
The strains of flu virus change every year. Vaccine manufactures review and update the vaccine based on the most common circulating strains, and how effective the previous season’s vaccine was in protecting against that seasons strain of viruses.
• Who should get a flu vaccination
The flu can affect people of all ages. The Australian Government recommends everyone over the age of 6 months old should get a flu vaccination. Some people are at higher risk of contracting the flu than others including:
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Those aged over 65 years
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Overweight individuals
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Smokers
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin adults over 15 years
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Pregnant women
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Babies
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If you have never been vaccinated against the flu
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If you have a weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions – Heart, kidney, asthma, diabetes, impaired immunity
The flu vaccine is also recommended for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; along with primary carers of children, seniors and other people.
• Four facts you should know about flu vaccination
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The flu vaccine changes every year to keep up with the constantly changing flu virus.
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There is no live virus in the flu vaccine, so you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.
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The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy.
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In Australia, it’s best to get the flu vaccination at the beginning of flu season (April or May).
Flu vaccine – Potential side effects
For the vast majority of people who have the flu vaccine, there will be no side effects. Potential side effects after the flu vaccine may include:
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A little pain, redness or hardness where the needle went in (may last for 24-48 hours)
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Lethargy
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Mild headaches
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Low-grade fever.
Having the flu vaccine does not give you the flu, it’s your body’s immune system response to the virus in the vaccine.
Flu vaccine for children
The flu vaccine is recommended for children and can be given to any child over the age of 6 months. It is the most effective way to reduce the chance of your child becoming sick with the flu.
If your child’s symptoms appear different or more severe, consult your GP immediately, particularly if they display:
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High fever
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Breathing difficulties
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Stiff or swollen neck
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Earache
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Tender or enlarged neck glands
Flu Vaccination Moonee Ponds
Our doctors see patients for Flu Shots from all over North Melbourne including Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, Aberfeldie, Essendon, Brunswick West, Flemington, Maribyrnong, Essendon West, Neddrie, Essendon North, Strathmore, Pascoe Vale South, Coburg, Brunswick, Brunswick East, Carlton North, Kensington and Maidstone.