The Government funded Influenza ("Flu") vaccine for 2023 is NOW AVAILABLE .
Influenza (the "flu") is a systemic illness caused by a member of the influenza virus family. Vaccination remains the best defense against seasonal influenza, which causes significant morbidity and mortality in the Australian community each year. In Queensland so far, the number of influenza cases reported is more than three times the number reported on average over the past five years.
The Government funded influenza vaccination is FREE and STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for -
Anyone 65 years of age or more;
Anyone 6 months to 5 years of age;
Anyone who is pregnant (at any stage of pregnancy);
Anyone identifying as Aboriginal of Torres Strait Islander aged over six months ; and
Anyone with medical conditions that increase the risk of complications from influenza (see below).
Medical conditions which increase the risk of complications from influenza infection include -
Cardiac (Heart) Disease: Coronary artery disease and ischaemic heart disease (e.g. chest pain or angina, heart attacks, stents or bypass surgery), heart failure, and cyanotic congenital heart disease;
Chronic Respiratory (Lung) Conditions: Including severe asthma (requiring the use of more than one medication, or frequent consultations), chronic lung disease (e.g. emphysema, COPD), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and suppurative lung disease;
Chronic Neurological (Nerve or Brain) Conditions: Including hereditary and degenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia), seizure disorders, spinal cord injuries, and neuromuscular disorders.
Immunocompromising conditions: This include any CONDITION or TREATMENT that reduces immunity (e.g. cancer, organ transplant, HIV, or long-term steroid use);
Diabetes and other metabolic conditions: This includes diabetes of any type, irrespective of treatment required;
Renal (kidney) disease: Including chronic renal (kidney) failure;
Haematological (blood) disease: Including haemoglobinopathies; and
Long-term aspirin therapy in children 6 months to 10 years of age.
Further, it is RECOMMENDED that all people over six months of age receive an influenza vaccination, every year. Further information regarding vaccination recommmendations can be found in the Australian Immunisation Handbook (https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au).
Patients who want an influenza vaccine should phone reception on (07) 3893 0093 to make a consultation appointment.
