Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a highly contagious disease caused by the influenza virus.

Vaccination is the best protection against influenza. Everyone is urged to get an influenza vaccine every year.

Some people are more at risk of serious health complications if they get influenza and can get a free influenza vaccine.

The following individuals in WA are eligible to receive a government funded vaccine:

• Persons over 65 years or older
• Children 6 months to less than 5 years
• Primary school-aged children (born after 30 June 2007 and > 5 years)
• Pregnant women (any trimester)
• Aboriginal people 6 months and older
• Individuals 6 months and older with medical conditions that place them at risk for complications of influenza, including:
  • Cardiac disease;
  • Chronic respiratory conditions;
  • Chronic neurological conditions;
  • Impaired immunity;
  • Diabetes and other metabolic disorders;
  • Renal disease;
  • Haematological disorders;
  • Children aged 6 months to 10 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

When is the best time to get the influenza vaccine?

For best protection against influenza, people are strongly advised to get the influenza vaccine every year.

This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic it is advised to get the influenza vaccine as soon as it is available.

Note: After vaccination it can take up to 2 weeks to develop protection.

It is never too late to get the influenza vaccine.

Should I get the vaccine if I am healthy and rarely get sick?

Even healthy people can get sick from influenza. Most healthy people who get influenza are quite sick for a short time, but generally recover well.

However, as influenza is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose, you can spread germs to others. This includes those who are at serious risk of complications if they get influenza such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions. If they get influenza, complications may include high fever, pneumonia, worsening of other illnesses and in some cases death.

By getting vaccinated each year, you help to protect these vulnerable people from getting sick with influenza, as well as those who are unable to be vaccinated themselves (e.g. children under 6 months are too young to get an influenza vaccine).

To Book a Flu Vaccination please call 08 9456 0184 or book online using our FREE App! Download today!