1. A highly infectious viral illness caused by the Influenza virus
2. Tends tbe much more severe than the common cold
3. Symptoms include: rapid onset of fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, cough, fatigue ( tiredness ) general aches and pains, nose, throat and lung congestion, sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea
4. Can last up tten days
5. Can be followed by a secondary illness e.g. pneumonia, croup, bronchitis, middle ear infections, heart complications
6. Peak time is winter

Influenza vaccination prevents up t90% of cases of Influenza infection in healthy adults.

The 2023 Vaccine protects again the 4 most common flu strains In the Southern Hemisphere:

• an A/Sydney/5/2021 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
• an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
• a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus; and
• a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus

No. The vaccine contains only inactivated virus particles (a virus that has been concentrated, killed then broken apart) and is therefore incapable of causing Influenza infection.

• Possible redness, soreness, itching, bruising or mild swelling at the injection site. This usually clears within 1-2 days. Sometimes a tender lump under the arm appears (a lymph gland) that may be present for several days. Occasionally people develop a mild fever within 1 –2 days of the vaccination and occasionally muscle aches, headache or a general feeling of unwellness. This usually lasts nmore than 1-2 days.
• There is only a minor risk of the vaccine causing serious harm such as a severe allergic reaction.

Vaccination is best carried out during April-June each year, before the onset of the peak season for Flu.

You will form antibodies tfight the flu around 3 –14 days after receiving your immunisation. Your antibodies will peak at around 4-6 weeks – this is when you are most protected. Your antibodies will gradually decline but you will remain protected for around 9 months t1 year.

The vaccination will be given by one of our accredited Pharmacists or Nurse.

Yes, evidence of your vaccination is uploaded tthe Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You can access your vaccination details via mygov website linked tyour Medicare Number.