It makes good sense to protect yourself and those around you against influenza (flu) this winter.

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza (commonly called the flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that can occur in children or adults of any age.  It occurs more often in the autumn and winter months because people spend more time in close contact with one another, and is spread easily from person to person by coughing, sneezing or close contact.

Every year complications of the flu result in approximately 3,500 deaths and 18,000 hospital admissions within Australia.  Serious illness is more likely in the very young, older adults, pregnant women, and people who have chronic illness including cardiac disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and asthma.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The flu is not the same as a cold.  Symptoms such as fever, sore throat and muscle aches develop suddenly and last around a week.  The flu may also make some existing medical conditions worse.  In some cases, severe illness and complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis can develop.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone from six months of age, but it is supplied free of charge under the Government’s National Immunisation Program for people identified as high risk.  These people include:

• People aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months to less than five years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are aged 15 years and over
• Pregnant women
• People aged six months and over with medical conditions such as severe asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes that can lead to complications from influenza

Further details about the Flu Vaccination can be found on the Department of Health’s website:

http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/immunise-influenza

COST

Government supplied ‘flu vaccines’

The ‘Flu Vaccine’ is free of charge to people identified as high risk by the Government’s National Immunisation Program (see above list).

Mornington Medical Group will be holding free ‘flu clinics’ over the next month for eligible patients.

Please contact our Reception team on (03) 5975 2633 to secure your place.

Private ‘flu vaccines’

Patients not eligible for a government supplied vaccine can arrange to receive their ‘flu vaccine’ at a cost of $20.00.

Please contact our Reception team on (03) 5975 2633 to arrange a time.