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Generic Vaccinations

we offer all government funded vaccines at this clinic under the National immunization program – all other vaccines enquiries please contact the clinic.

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious disease caused by infection from influenza type A or B (or rarely C) virus. These viruses infect the upper airways and lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. In Australia, outbreaks of influenza of varying severity occur every year, usually between May and September, spreading from person-to-person. Most people generally recover within a week but a cough and tiredness may persist. In some cases influenza can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation.

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What is influenza? 

The flu is more than a bad cold. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after being infected. A person can spread influenza to others a day or two before they become unwell and up to five days after they have become unwell for adults. It can be even longer for young children.

The symptoms of influenza can include the following:

  • fever

  • dry cough

  • muscle and joint pain

  • tiredness/extreme exhaustion

  • headache

  • sore throat

  • stuffy nose

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Symptoms to be concerned of in children include: 

  • high fever

  • listlessness or lack of energy

  • cough

 

*Children can also get diarrhoea and vomiting with the flu. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, consult your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)

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How do I know if I have it

The annual influenza vaccine, or flu shot, provides good protection against the flu. And is strongly recommended for those in high risk groups​ or anyone in contact with these groups, including: 

  • people aged 65 or older. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older

  • adults and children with a chronic disease, especially heart conditions, lung disease, kidney disorders or diabetes

  • children with cyanotic congenital heart disease

  • adults and children who are on therapy which lowers their immunity

  • residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities

  • pregnant women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy (even if already pregnant) between May and September

  • children (six months to 10 years) on long term aspirin therapy

Should I get vaccinated?

  • Hygiene is the key. Make sure you wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rubs to disinfect hands.

  • Try to avoid contact with infected people. If you can’t, then stand at least one metre away from the infected person and don’t stand directly opposite them.

  • Make sure any tissues used by an infected person are immediately put in a waste bin. If you do handle a tissue, wash your hands afterwards.

  • Use soap and water to keep surfaces such as door handles, kitchen bench tops, phones and computer key boards clean.

  • Drink plenty of fluids and keep healthy with fruit and vegies. Help and assistance For futher information, please contact your local doctor.

What else can I do to be protected? 

For most patients the 2020 flu shot will incur a cost of $20. All other costs for services are bulk-billed. 

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Some patients may also be eligible for a free government subsidised bulk-billed vaccination if they fall within certain at-risk groups.  

What will it cost? 

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Information derived from:  https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/424933/flu_season.pdf

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