Flu was in the news this week. It’s been a bad year for flu, with experts predicting 2017 might be the worst flu season on record. Talking to your doctor about receiving annual flu vaccinations is a good idea. Read on to find out why …
Are vaccinations safe?
All vaccines pass strict safety testing before the (Australian) Therapeutic Goods Administration registers them for use. Vaccines are tested in thousands of people in clinical trials before approval and after registration, and are monitored and tested while in use. Ongoing assessment includes detailed national surveillance of disease and vaccine side effects.
What about side effects?
Some people experience short term minor side effects following vaccination such as pain, redness and/or swelling at the injection site or mild fever. Serious reactions (eg allergic reactions) are extremely rare.
Should I get a flu vaccination each year?
Your health, age, lifestyle and occupation determine what vaccinations you require, including if you’d benefit from annual flu vaccinations. Australian studies estimate that vaccination reduces the risk of influenza by 40-50%. High risk groups benefit the most from annual flu vaccinations and vaccines are government funded for people in high risk groups (the young, elderly, those with underlying diseases and Indigenous Australians).
Annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended for the elderly and people at risk of serious complications from the flu. Additionally, getting vaccinated yourself protects people around you, including those more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
I always get sick when I get a flu shot …
Annual flu vaccines protect against four strains of flu virus, including the major viral strains circulating in the previous flu season. However, multiple viruses circulate each year and new strains emerge (viruses change every year because they change their surface structure), so vaccination cannot protect against all flu viruses. Serial infections with different flu strains, in the same person, in a single season, are possible.
Is flu that bad?
Even if you were vaccinated in a previous year, your immune system might not be able to fight the changed version of the flu virus circulating in the following year. Most people with flu have a mild illness and fully recover, however some people develop severe problems leading to hospitalisation (pneumonia, bronchitis, chest, sinus infections; heart, blood or liver complications) or death. Around 3,500 Australians die annually from flu.
Final thoughts?
Apart from vaccination, good hygiene practices and social distancing for those who are unwell (which means staying home when sick and avoiding public gatherings until well) helps to prevent influenza spreading. Good handwashing is a key prevention measure.
Given near record flu rates this year, experts recommend that people who have not been vaccinated (this year) should consider vaccination. Around two months of the flu season remain and vaccination is still a valuable protection measure.
We suggest seeing your doctor immediately if you have not been vaccinated against flu this year. You might also wish to discuss your tetanus status while you’re at it!
Further Reading
Victorian State Government. Better Health Channel. Flu (influenza) – immunisation.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/flu-influenza-immunisation
Victorian State Government. Better Health Channel. Childhood Immunisation.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-childhood
Australian Government Department of Health. Get the Facts. Immunisation Saves lives. Get the Facts – help protect your community.
https://campaigns.health.gov.au/immunisationfacts?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2p-ntuXp1QIVypu9Ch3ycAKqEAAYASAAEgJf9_D_BwE