As we enter winter, the flu season is upon us. Plummeting temperatures, low humidity and an increased number of people returning to the workplace may contribute to the spread of influenza.

However, with important attention focused on COVID-19, it may be easy to lose sight on the flu vaccine. As restrictions ease and more people return to public spaces, the chances of catching influenza increase greatly.

In 2019, Australia experienced our worst flu season yet, with more than 310,000 people presenting to hospitals and health services.  As influenza evolves, annual vaccinations are an effective method of preventing influenza and influenza-related complications. It is also the most efficient way of protecting our loved ones and high-risk groups.

FLU UPDATE Q&A

Is it too late to take a flu vaccination?

No, it is never too late to take the flu vaccination. In recent years the peak flu season has been between June and August. Although more prevalent in winter you can catch the flu all year round.  Australian guidelines recommend that everyone over 6 months of age should receive the fl u vaccination to protect themselves, but also to prevent passing on the flu to high risk groups, including those over 65 and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

There has been less flu cases this year, should I still receive a flu vaccination?

Although there has been less flu cases this year, the flu virus is still in the community. It is important to protect yourselves and to also prevent passing the flu to those who may be high risk. This year with the COVID-19 pandemic it is even more important to get the flu vaccine, as it can reduce the chance of being infected simultaneously with the flu and COVID-19.

I received a flu vaccination last year do I need to take it this year?

It is recommended you have a flu vaccination each year to protect you from new strains of the influenza virus.

If I have had a COVID-19 vaccination can I have a flu vaccination?

Yes, if you have had a COVID vaccination you can still have a flu vaccination. It is recommended wait 7 days between your flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine. The 7 days is a precautionary measure to manage the common side effects of both vaccinations.  It is ok to have your flu vaccine in the time between dose 1 and dose 2 of your COVID-19 vaccine.

Do I have to wait to have my COVID-19 vaccination if I have already received my flu vaccination?

Yes, it is recommended to wait 7 days in between your flu and COVID-19 vaccine

Will the COVID-19 vaccine prevent me from getting the flu?

The COVID-19 vaccine will only help protect you against COVID-19. Although COVID-19 and influenza are viral infections they are not the same. The COVID-19 vaccine does not prevent the flu, the flu vaccination will not prevent you from getting COVID-19.

Courtesy Brinley Hosking, Amcal Chief Pharmacist.