Should I get a flu vaccination this year?
As the flu season approaches, on the tail of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians are encouraged to book in for a flu vaccination.
2023 is gearing up to be particularly more challenging for flu cases than previous years. In fact, CNN has reported high levels of transmission and hospitalisation since the end of the Christmas and New Year festivities.
As flu and COVID-19 share some similar symptoms, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and prevent the spread of both diseases to your community.
Who should get a flu vaccination?
It’s generally recommended that all Australians over the age of six months line up for a flu vaccination each year. It’s especially important for those who are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, such as pregnant women, young children and older people.
It is estimated that 3,500 Australians die each year from the complications of influenza, including pneumonia.
The benefits of a flu vaccination greatly outweigh the risks. Side effects from a flu shot are generally mild and can include pain, redness or swelling around the injection site, and some people may experience mild fever or aches.
However, these side effects aren’t common and tend to only last a few days.
Whereas symptoms of influenza often include fevers, dry cough, fatigue and muscle pain. Younger children can experience more severe symptoms, such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
Besides, getting vaccinated offers more than just personal protection.
Why should I get vaccinated?
By getting a yearly flu vaccination, you’re helping protect your friends, family and the wider community from the spread of the virus. This often includes those who have a weakened immune system or could be at a higher risk of contracting influenza complications.
Plus, getting a vaccination aids in reducing the strain on the Australian healthcare system by preventing hospitalisations and other serious health complications.
Getting an Influenza shot also lessens your chance of taking unplanned sick leave throughout the year.
Where can I get a flu vaccination?
AusHealth offers on-site workplace influenza vaccinations for a number of industries across Australia.
We also offer COVID-19 primary doses and boosters, Japanese Encephalitis shots, Hepatitis A and B shots, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccinations.
Through AusHealth, you can also receive a COVID-19 dose and influenza shot in the same day, making it easier to protect your workforce this winter.
Our AusHealth Work team welcome all enquiries on how we can cater for your workforce.
Why choose AusHealth?
By booking a flu clinic with AusHealth, you’re directly contributing to Australian-led, ground-breaking medical research.
Since 1985, we’ve returned the profits made from our workplace safety services and billing resolutions into pain management, cancer and diabetes research, just to name a few.
And we’re proud of the positive impact we’re making for all Australians.
Just last year, AusHealth partnered alongside Metro South Health to provide COVID-19 vaccination nurses to Logan, Queensland – where 171,511 doses were administered.
This meant the Logan region achieved a 92% double dose rate, despite severe weather events, such as tornadoes, floods and subsequent building collapses.
‘[The AusHealth staff] went above and beyond to ensure the continuity of service of the centre,’ Metro South Health said. ‘[…] we appreciate the significant contribution AusHealth has made in delivering this vital public health response.’