Flu Vaccination Somerville
How could a flu vaccination help you and your family
The flu vaccine may help assist to protect you and your loved ones from infection caused by the influenza virus. The more people who are vaccinated in the community from the flu, the less likely it is for the disease to spread.
The strains of flu virus change every year. Vaccine manufactures review and update the vaccine based on the most common circulating strains, and how effective the previous season’s vaccine was in protecting against that seasons strain of viruses.
Who should get a flu vaccination
The flu can affect people of all ages. The Australian Government recommends everyone over the age of 6 months old should get a flu vaccination. Some people are at higher risk of contracting the flu than others including:
- Those aged over 65 years
- Pregnant women
- Babies
- Are obese or smoke
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin adults over 15 years
- If you have a weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions – Heart, kidney, asthma, diabetes, impaired immunity
- If you have never been vaccinated against the flu
The flu vaccine is also recommended for nursing home residents and other long-term care facilities; along with primary carers of children, seniors and their famalies.
Four facts you must know about the flu vaccination
- The flu vaccine changes every year to keep up with the constantly changing flu virus.
- There is no live virus in the flu vaccine, so you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.
- The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy.
- In Australia, it’s best to get the flu vaccination at the beginning of flu season (April or May).
Flu vaccine – What are the potential side effects
For the vast majority of people who have the flu shot, there will be no side effects. Potential side effects after the flu vaccine may include:
- A little pain, redness or hardness where the needle went in (may last for 24-48 hours)
- Mild headaches
- Lethargy
- Low-grade fever.
Having the flu vaccine does not give you the flu, it’s your body’s immune system response to the virus in the vaccine.
Children and the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for children and can be given to any child over the age of 6 months. It is the most effective way to reduce the chance of your child becoming sick with the flu.
If your child’s symptoms appear different or more severe, consult your GP immediately, particularly if they display:
- High fever
- Tender or enlarged neck glands
- Breathing difficulties
- Stiff or swollen neck
- Earache
Flu Vaccination – Somerville Doctors
Somerville Doctors provide flu vaccinations to the Somerville community and surrounding suburbs including Baxter, Frankston South, Langwarrin South, Pearcedale, Tyabb, Moorooduc, Mornington, Mt Eliza, Frankston, Langwarrin, Cranbourne South, Devon Meadows, Hastings, Mount Martha, Safety Beach, Red Hill, Bittern, Balnarring, Crib Point and Somers.