Patience on your flu jab
GP: Don’t go early on influenza shot
GEELONG residents are being urged not to “jump in too early”, and to wait to get their flu shot.
Lara GP and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Victoria chair Dr Cameron Loy said it took about 3-4 weeks for the influenza vaccine to reach its maximum effect in the body, but effective coverage started to reduce after 3-4 months.
“If we’re talking about flu season in Victoria being JulySeptember, getting a flu vaccine in mid-March means that your immunity due to that vaccine is starting to wear off by the time influenza season hits,” Dr Loy said.
“Don’t jump in too early, there’s nothing to be gained by jumping in and getting a flu vaccine in the middle of March. It’s a strong recommendation of mine that if you’re over 65, you seek a flu vaccination but don’t jump in too early.”
Australia experienced an intense flu season in 2017 — the largest since the 2009 pandemic, according to the Health Department. The RACGP says there are an average of 3000 deaths a year.
Barwon Health Immunisation Service clinical co-ordinator Caroline Poynder said the peak flu season was usually June to September and vaccine protection was expected to last the whole season.
“The most protection is offered in the first 3-4 months following vaccination,” Ms Poynder said.
“We (recommend) people receive their flu vaccination in April or May to ensure peak coverage from the vaccine during this time.”
Free flu vaccinations are available for groups including pregnant women; people aged 65 and over; children aged between six months and five years; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the age of 15.
Ms Poynder said free stock was not expected from the government until after Easter.
The Barwon Health Immunisation Service provides both free and paid flu vaccines at any of its advertised sessions, which can be found on the Barwon Health website at www.barwonhealth.org.au
For more information, contact the Barwon Health Immunisation Service on 4215 6963.
“Don’t jump in too early, there’s nothing to be gained by jumping in and getting a flu vaccine in the middle of March.” DR CAMERON LOY