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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Influenza?
Why do I have to be vaccinated every year?
Does influenza vaccination work?
How long before the vaccination works?
How long am I protected for?
Are there any side effects from the vaccine?
Who can have the Influenza vaccination?
Will influenza protect against the common cold?
Can I get flu from the vaccination?
Is the flu vaccine the same as that I would receive if I went to my GP?
Will an anti-viral prevent me developing influenza?
I’m too fit and healthy - can I still get the flu?
What strains will I be protected from this year?
| What is Influenza? |
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Influenza, commonly known as "the flu" is a viral infection of the breathing passages. It is a highly infectious disease affecting men, women and children around the world each year. Influenza is passed on (transmitted) when an infected person spreads droplets (through coughing or sneezing) containing virus to another person. Symptoms appear suddenly beginning with headache and generally feeling unwell followed by:
Fever
Sore throat
Chills
Exhaustion
Cough
It is often more severe in the elderly and those with certain ongoing chronic medical conditions.
Symptoms can last for up to 10 days.
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| Why do I have to be vaccinated every year? |
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The changing nature of the influenza virus means that new strains are constantly appearing. Each year a new influenza vaccine is developed to protect against the anticipated predominant strains in that particular year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) devotes significant resources to maintain worldwide identification of the most common influenza strains present in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
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| Does influenza vaccination work? |
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YES. Influenza vaccine prevents illnes is up to 90% of health adults.
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| How long before the vaccination works? |
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The vaccine takes approximately 10 to 14 days to become effective. If you come in contact with the flu virus during this time, you may not be protected. Therefore, vaccinating early (March - June) before the virus becomes prevalent, is very important.
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| Are there any side effects from the vaccine? |
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Occasionally. People may experience redness and tenderness around the injection site within 24-48 hours. Very rarely, an allergic reaction can occur. We ask you to wait for 20 minutes after your vaccination, to ensure all is well.
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| How long am I protected for? |
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Protection lasts the duration of one influenza season and up to one year.
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| Who can have the influenza vaccine? |
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Most people are able to have the flu vaccination. However, we would like to chat to you if you are pregnant, have an allergy to eggs or serious implications with your immune system.
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| Will influenza protect against the common cold? |
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No. The vaccine will only provide protection against the strains of influenza virus present in the vaccine.
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| Can I get the flu from having the vaccination? |
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No, because the vaccine does not contain any live virus.
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| Is the flu vaccine the same as that I would receive if I went to my doctor? |
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Yes, the vaccine is exactly the same as the one you would receive from your doctor.
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| Will an anti-viral prevent me developing influenza? |
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No. Anti-virals only help relieve symptoms once you have the flu. Your best prevention method is to get vaccinated.
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| I’m too fit and healthy - can I still catch the flu? |
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Yes. Regardless how fit and healthy you are, you can still catch the flu.
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| What strains will I be protected from this year? |
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A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus (Swine flu)
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A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus
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B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus
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