Flourish eMAG Apr 25 - Flipbook - Page 15
Flu Vaccination: Why
It’s More Important
Than Ever
Every year, flu strains change, which is why
getting vaccinated annually is crucial. The
flu vaccine doesn’t just protect you4it
protects your family, workmates, and those
in the community who are more vulnerable,
like babies, older Australians, and people
with chronic health conditions.
In Australia, the National Immunisation
Program (NIP) provides free flu vaccines to:
Children aged 6 months to under 5
years
People aged 65 and over
Pregnant women
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people
Those with medical conditions that
increase the risk of flu complications
While vaccination rates for high-risk groups
have hovered around 60% in recent years,
the uptake among young children remains
concerningly low, dropping to around 203
30%. The exception was 2020, when a
record 47% of kids under five were
vaccinated4likely due to heightened public
awareness during COVID-19.
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies
but generally sits around 40%, meaning it
won’t prevent all cases but significantly
reduces the severity of illness and the risk
of complications.
The best time to get
your flu shot in
Australia is April to
May, before peak flu
season hits in winter
(June to September).
Who’s at Risk?
Most healthy people recover from the flu
without major issues, but some groups are
at higher risk of severe illness. These
include:
Babies and young children 3 Their immune
systems are still developing.
Pregnant women 3 The flu can cause
serious complications for both mum and
baby.
Older Australians 3 People aged 65+ are
more likely to develop pneumonia.
People with chronic health conditions 3
Including asthma, heart disease, diabetes,
and weakened immune systems.
First Nations Australians 3 Higher rates of
chronic conditions make them more
vulnerable.
How to Protect
Yourself This Flu
Season
Even if you’re young and healthy, the flu
can knock you out for a week or more4and
no one has time for that! Here’s how to
lower your risk:
Get vaccinated 3 It’s the best way to
reduce your chances of catching the flu.
Wash your hands regularly 3 The flu
spreads through surfaces and droplets.
Stay home if you’re unwell 3 Don’t be a fluspreader at work or school.
Cover your coughs and sneezes 3 Use your
elbow, not your hands.
Boost your immunity 3 Eat well, stay
active, get enough sleep, and manage
stress.
