Immunisation Weekly Update – 3 May 2023

Winter respiratory communications – Phase one: Influenza

Influenza (‘flu’) is serious. It is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. Each year, people in NSW die from flu-related illness.

Flu is more serious than the common cold. Severe cases can result in breathing difficulties and pneumonia.

Influenza vaccine

• Prepare yourself for winter and get a flu vaccine today.
• The flu vaccine provides the best protection against serious illness from influenza, and everyone aged 6 months and over can get it.
• For people at higher risk of severe illness from influenza, vaccination is FREE. These people include:
  • children aged 6 months to under 5 years of age
  • people with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
  • pregnant women
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  • people aged 65 years and over

• Flu shots are available through GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged 5 years and over.
• Ask your doctor, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service about a free flu shot.*

* Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor or pharmacist is this applies to you.

• If you’re not eligible for a free flu shot, you can get a flu shot from your doctor or a pharmacy (if you’re aged 5 years and over) for a small fee. This fee may vary between providers.

For more information on influenza and getting your flu shot, head to www.health.nsw.gov.au/influenza

Parents/carers of children 6 months to under 5 years

• If you have a child aged 6 months or over, you are strongly encouraged to vaccinate them against influenza every year.
• An influenza (flu) vaccine is FREE for children aged 6 months to under 5 years as part of the National Immunisation Program.*

* Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor or pharmacist is this applies to you.

• Children aged less than 9 years of age who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses of the vaccine, 4 weeks apart. In subsequent years, only one dose is required.
• Children who only received one dose in their first year of vaccination still only require one dose in subsequent years.
• All influenza vaccines can be administered at the same time as other childhood recommended vaccines.
  • In infants, there is a small increased risk of fever following administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines at the same time. Advise parents/carers of children who are recommended to receive both influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine of this risk. When necessary, separating the doses by 3 days can be considered to reduce the risk.

Pregnant women

• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) strongly recommends influenza vaccination for pregnant women to protect both the mother and baby.
• The influenza vaccine reduces the risk of getting seriously ill this winter and protects your baby from influenza after birth.
• The influenza (flu) vaccine is FREE for all pregnant women.

* Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor or pharmacist is this applies to you.

• A pregnant woman can get the flu shot at any time during pregnancy. It takes at least two weeks to make antibodies after getting a flu vaccine and for pregnant women it might be up to four weeks. Some of these antibodies then pass onto your baby during pregnancy and may also be passed through breast milk.
• Everyone who cares for your baby should get a flu shot too, including other household members and relatives.

Contact a doctor immediately if you develop flu symptoms. Talk to your doctor today about getting a free flu shot or visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/influenza

Aboriginal people 6 months and over

Aboriginal people are at greater risk of severe flu and its complications.

• The flu shot is the best way to keep your mob strong this winter.
• The influenza (flu) vaccine is FREE for all Aboriginal people aged 6 months and over.*

        * Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor or pharmacist is this applies to you.

 Talk to your doctor or Aboriginal Medical Service today about getting a free flu shot or visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/influenza

General hygiene behaviours

There are steps we can all take to help protect ourselves and our loved ones from flu and COVID-19, including:

• Stay up to date with your recommended flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
• Stay home if you have any cold or flu symptoms and get tested
• Wear a mask in crowded, indoor places
• Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
• Wash or sanitise your hands often
• Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or flu to make a plan about what to do if you’re sick, including what test to take and if you are eligible for antiviral medicines
• Don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms or have tested positive to COVID-19 or flu
• Take a rapid antigen test for COVID-19 before visiting vulnerable loved ones

Deadline extended: Nurse Winter Vaccination Program

Application deadline has been extended to Sunday 7 May 2023.

CESPHN is offering $2,000 funding to general practices who employ a practice nurse to develop and implement activities to drive the uptake of vaccination.

To apply, complete Application Form.

See website for more information.

Immunisation education

NCIRS: HPV in 2023 – latest vaccine recommendations and research

About: A webinar focused on changes to the HPV vaccination schedule and their implications, initiatives designed to maintain high levels of HPV vaccine coverage, and including an in-depth look at the use, effectiveness and safety of the vaccine.

When: Friday | 5 May 2023 | 2:00pm – 3:00 pm

Register for free now