An Introduction To Flu Vaccinations

If you didnt already know what a Flu Vaccination was

, or are trying to decide if you or your dependants need one, here is a brief introduction to this well-discussed and sometimes controversial topic.

Commonly known as the flu, Influenza is a virus that spreads easily from person to person through infected droplets in the air and by hands carrying the virus. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

Tiredness

Chills

Fever

Headaches

Cough

Sneezing and runny nose

Poor appetite

Muscle aches

The dangers of Influenza arise from health problems that develop in some people after infection. Because the immune system is already depleted, the body is much more susceptible to further health concerns including pneumonia, heart, blood system and liver complications.

Thankfully, Influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease but because the flu viruses are always evolving and changing, flu vaccinations need to be given each year.

Who is Protected?

Essentially, everyone who is vaccinated each year is protected from getting sick from the particular strains that they are vaccinated against. In Australia, free vaccinations are available as part of the Immunise Australia Program to older Australians (65 and older), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 15 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions predisposing to severe influenza. This is because these groups are more susceptible to the illness than others. However, vaccinations are also readily available to the general population and are administered by health professionals under State Government jurisdiction.

Why Vaccinations are Important?

The theory behind vaccinations is the concept of herd immunity. Herd immunity is when a significant portion of the population (usually around 80%) is immune to a disease. Because the majority is immune, they provide protection to those who arent immune because the virus has little chance of spreading through the population.

Where can I get one?

Your current GP, public hospital, or local medical centre should be able to provide your family with vaccinations. A medical centre that administers vaccinations and is conveniently located in inner Brisbane is the Bowen Hills Medical Centre. The doctors and staff all have extensive experience in providing Flu Vaccinations, and can answer any questions or concerns you may have.

We hope this short article has provided you with all the introductory information you may need to evaluate whether or not to vaccinate your family this flu season.

by: Rachel Varshney

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