[Jack Malarkey]

Rideshare drivers are at particular risk of catching the flu from their passengers. This is all the more reason to consider seriously having a flu shot.

A driver who catches the flu can easily find that they lose income for a whole week or even longer.

I plan to have my flu shot done at Chemist Warehouse in Woden. The cost will be only $10.99 for the quadrivalent strain including free injection by a qualified health professional.

You can book on line: http://rsvp.chemistwarehouse.com.au/?gclid=CLq0pJfoxtMCFVcmvQodhYYBlg.

Chemist Warehouse will be holding flu vaccination clinics from Monday 12 March to Saturday 19 May 2018 (at selected stores only).

There are many other options.

The Health Directorate of the ACT Government has issued the following advice about flu vaccination:

Flu Vaccinations

ACT Government Health Directorate urges Canberrans to get their annual flu shot, if theyhave not already done so, to help stop the spread of the infection.

The influenza virus is easily passed from person to person through the air by droplets and smallparticles when infected individuals cough orsneeze.

In general, antibiotics are not useful for these viral infections, unless there were other complicating infections.

Vaccination is the principal measure forpreventing influenza and reducing the impact ofoutbreaks.

Other ways of preventing the spread of the disease are to use simple measures like covering your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough, washing your hands regularly, disposing of tissues as soon as you use them and keeping a reasonable distance from people who have the infection.

(http://www.health.act.gov.au/public...ealth-alerts/previous-alerts/flu-vaccinations)

 

[Jack Malarkey]

The Australian Medical Association has said that it's important not to have the annual flu vaccine too early, advising that for many people it's better to wait until late April.

See http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-...ama-says/9585092?section=health&sf185471957=1

 

[Jack Malarkey]

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt's media release of 18 April 2018:

2018 Influenza Vaccines Now Available

Wednesday, 18 April 2018

More than 4.5 million Australians who are most at risk of getting sick during this year's flu season can now access a free influenza vaccine, under the Federal Government's National Immunisation Program.

Last year we saw the highest influenza activity in Australia in almost a decade, mirroring a global trend, with more than 250,000 Australians testing positive for influenza and double the normal hospitalisations.

I urge all Australians to consider getting a flu shot this year. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for any person six months of age and older, with vaccines also available on the private market.

It's important to get the flu shot every year, as the virus changes year to year.

Those who are eligible for a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program include people aged 65 years and over, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who suffer from chronic conditions.

Flu shots are available now at general practices and other vaccination providers. They're also available for purchase at many pharmacies.

Last year over 90 per cent of the 1,100 influenza-associated deaths were in people aged 65 years and older and this year we have taken specific action to address this.

Two new ground-breaking flu vaccines are now available for Australians aged over 65. These are specifically targeted at this age group, offering stronger doses and now available for the first time in Australia.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, said "Getting vaccinated from mid-April will ensure you are protected before Australia's peak flu period, from around June to September."

"Getting vaccinated is not only safe, but is it is the most effective way of protecting yourself," Professor Murphy said.

"All influenza vaccines available in Australia have been through stringent safety testing by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis."

"The flu jab does not contain any live virus, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine and we know that high vaccination rates contribute to a healthy community," Professor Murphy said.
The following four strains are contained within this year's flu vaccine:
• A(H1N1): an A/Michigan/45/2015(H1N1) pdm09 like virus
• A(H3N2): an A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016(H3N2) like virus
• B: a B/Phuket/3073/2013 like virus
• B: a B/Brisbane/60/2008 like virus

The composition of the Australian vaccine is decided by the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee in consultation with the World Health Organization.

Influenza vaccines are age-specific, so ask your doctor about the best vaccine for you or your child's circumstances.

For more information visit the Immunise Australia website at: www.immunise.health.gov.au
(ENDS)

(http://www.greghunt.com.au/Media/Me...83/2018-influenza-vaccines-now-available.aspx)

 

[Jack Malarkey]

For information about the national Flutracking Survey, see http://www.flutracking.net/.

 

[Jack Malarkey]

Flu vaccine shortage hits Canberra following record demand

(Friday 25 May 2018)

https://the-riotact.com/flu-vaccine-shortage-hits-canberra-following-record-demand/247327

 

[Jack Malarkey]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp...nes-from-doctors-offices-20180525-p4zhgx.html

Extract:

Canberra officials have been taking flu vaccines from doctors' offices

By Han Nguyen & Kirsten Lawson
26 May 2018 - 12:00am

Talking points

• ACT Health officials have visited GPs in Canberra this week to seize flu vaccines.
• The ACT had been given about 87,000 doses of the vaccine from the national pool.
• There's a nationwide shortage of the vaccine.

ACT Health officials have visited GPs in Canberra this week to seize flu vaccines in the face of a nationwide shortage as Canberrans rush to get vaccinated early in unprecedented numbers.