It’s July. It’s not too late to get your flu shot.

The Importance of getting the flu shot.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a very contagious infection of the airways. Each year, the flu strain changes, necessitating a new vaccine to counter its effects.

At Park Street General Practice Geelong, we understand the importance of flu vaccination and offer convenient flu vaccination appointments. tel: 5223 2722 to book yours!

Protecting against influenza.

Getting vaccinated against the flu is essential to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Unlike a common cold, influenza can cause severe symptoms that can persist for an extended period. By receiving the flu vaccine, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the flu and experiencing its debilitating effects.

Yearly vaccine updates

The flu strain evolves from year to year, necessitating the development of a new vaccine annually. Each vaccine targets the most prevalent strains expected for the upcoming flu season. By staying up-to-date with vaccinations, you ensure that you have the most effective protection against the specific flu strains circulating that year.

Timing your flu shot

The flu season typically begins in April, and flu vaccinations become available around the same time. It’s important to note that the vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective.

To ensure maximum protection throughout the peak flu season, which usually occurs in July and August, it is recommended to get vaccinated around April or May. The flu vaccine’s effectiveness gradually diminishes after three months, emphasising the importance of timely vaccination.

However, having said that, it is never too late to vaccinate since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.

Eligibility for free flu shots

Those eligible for a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program include:

• people aged 65 years and over
• pregnant women
• those who suffer chronic conditions

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from 6 months of age are offered a free flu shot.  Closing this gap means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents aged 5-14 years of age will now be able to access the flu vaccine at no cost.

Further information on free flu vaccination eligibility click here. 

 

Protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu is crucial, and vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure.

At Park Street General Practice in Geelong, we offer flu vaccination appointments to ensure that you can stay healthy during the flu season. Whether you fall into the eligible categories for a free flu shot or not, getting vaccinated is a proactive step towards maintaining your well-being.

To schedule your flu shot appointment, please contact us tel: 5223 2722.

 

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects.  The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, a GP should be consulted. Links to other (“third party”) websites are pro­vided solely as a con­ve­nience and not as a guar­an­tee or rec­om­men­da­tion by Park Street General Practice for the ser­vices, infor­ma­tion, opin­ion or any other con­tent on such third party websites or as an indi­ca­tion of any affil­i­a­tion, spon­sor­ship or endorse­ment of such third party websites.