Stay Protected This Cold and Flu Season

Stay Protected This Cold and Flu Season

As we head into the colder months of autumn and winter, it’s time to protect yourself and your family again from the flu. At Rivergum Village Medical Centre, we’re reminding patients to book their flu vaccine early. The influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent serious illness and complications from the flu.

FACTS ON THIS PAGE

• Stay Protected This Cold and Flu Season
• What is the Flu and How Can it Affect You?
• Why the Flu Vaccine Matters in Autumn and Winter
• Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine and Why?
• When Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?
• Who’s Eligible Under the National Immunisation Program?
• Flu Vaccines for Young Children
• Are There Any Side Effects?
• Book Your Flu Vaccination at Rivergum Village Medical Centre

What is the Flu and How Can it Affect You?

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Common influenza symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

For many, a dose of the flu can be unpleasant but still manageable. However, the flu can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and people with existing medical conditions.

Why the Flu Vaccine Matters in Autumn and Winter

The flu virus spreads more easily when people spend more time indoors during the cooler months. Getting your flu vaccine in autumn or winter helps build your immunity ahead of peak flu season, which is generally from June to September. A yearly flu vaccination also helps reduce the severity of illness, decreases the chance of transmission, and lowers the risk of hospitalisation.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine and Why

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. The flu virus changes regularly, and immunity from previous vaccines or infections fades over time. Those most at risk of complications from the flu include:

• Children under 5 years
• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• People with chronic health conditions

When Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?

It’s best to get your flu vaccination in early autumn, around mid-April, to ensure you’re protected before flu activity peaks. However, it’s still worthwhile to get vaccinated later in the season. Book your appointment now at Rivergum Village Medical Centre to stay ahead of the flu.

Who’s Eligible Under the National Immunisation Program?

Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), eligible groups can receive a free influenza vaccine, including:

• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• Adults aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
• People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease

If you aren’t eligible under the NIP scheme, Rivergum Village Medical Centre charges $20 for a flu vaccination.

Flu Vaccines for Young Children

Young children are especially vulnerable to the flu and its complications. Children aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible for a free flu vaccination under the NIP. If your child is receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time, they may need two doses four weeks apart for full protection. Speak to your GP to learn more.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The flu vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. However, some people experience minor side effects such as:

• Redness or soreness at the injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Tiredness
• Headache

These symptoms typically go away within 1–2 days and are far milder than a bout of the flu.

Book Your Flu Vaccination at Rivergum Village Medical Centre

Protect yourself and those around you this flu season! Make your appointment today for a flu vaccine at Rivergum Village Medical Centre.