Fend off the Flu
Fend off the flu is a new campaign to get our Mob to book in for the flu shot this flu season.
The flu shot is safe and free for Mob. It can prevent you from getting super crook. The flu shot helps stop the spread of flu in Community, especially to our Mob most likely to get super crook, including our old people, bubs and jarjum under five, pregnant mums and anyone with a chronic condition.
Peak flu season is from April to September. We recommend getting the flu shot annually early in the flu season, in April or May to ensure you are covered for the peak winter months.
Time to get the flu shot? Book in today!
This year, to promote fending off the flu, we are busting some myths.
Myth one: The flu is not serious
- The flu is serious. Most people recover from flu, but some people develop complications including pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, and heart and brain inflammations. Flu is associated with a six-fold increase in heart attacks or stroke.
- The flu vaccine may reduce your risk of cardiovascular death.
Myth two: The flu shot can give me the flu.
- The flu vaccine is an inactivated virus and cannot give you the flu. You may have slight side effects, such as feeling a little bit achy and tired, but this generally only lasts a day or two. There are many other viruses going around in winter, including colds, which you may get at the same time. Those are not the flu, but the symptoms can be similar.
Myth three: I got the flu vaccine and I still got the flu.
- It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to become fully effective after receiving it. This is why it’s important to get it in April or May, well before the winter season.
- There are also different strains of flu viruses and not all of them are covered in the vaccine. Some people can contract one of these uncovered strains, despite being vaccinated. The flu vaccine protects against the most likely flu viruses so it improves your chances of being protected from the flu and helps prevent the spread in community.
Myth four: I’m fit and healthy, so I don’t need the flu shot.
- Healthy people get the flu too, and it can make you really crook. Getting vaccinated means you will help stop the spread in community, especially to our old people, young jarjums and pregnant mums. It also helps stop you getting really crook.
Myth five: I am pregnant and shouldn’t get the flu vaccine.
- People who are pregnant should get the flu vaccine as they are more likely to get very crook from flu than people who are not pregnant.
- Being really crook while pregnant can lead to complications in your pregnancy.
- Bub can’t get vaccinated until six months old, so Mum getting vaccinated is the best way to protect Bub.
- The flu shot protects Mum and Bub and is safe at any stage of pregnancy.
For more information on the flu and flu vaccinations, visit https://www.vaccinate.initiatives.qld.gov.au/what-to-vaccinate-against/influenza.
Download a Deadly Choices Poster
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Click Here to DownloadFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the flu?
The flu is a potentially serious infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by flu viruses. It spreads easily from person to person.
Why should I get the flu shot?
The flu shot helps you stay healthy and strong and can protect you and your Mob from the flu. If you are pregnant, the flu shot will also protect your bub against the flu when bub is born, as they cannot get the flu shot before 6 months old.
Getting the flu shot lowers the chance of needing to go to hospital if you get the flu.
Where can I get the flu shot?
You can get the flu shot at your local Community Controlled Strait Islander Health Service, as well as many local chemists. If you go to your GP, also ask them about any other vaccines that you may be eligible for to stay healthy.
What is the difference between the flu and a cold?
Both flu and the common cold cause infection of the nose and throat, but they are caused by different viruses. The flu can be much more serious than the common cold as it can affect your lungs and you can end up in hospital.
What are the risks of the flu?
The flu can be serious. Complications such as difficulty breathing and needing to go to hospital are most common among our Old People, kids under 5 years old and people with other health issues, such as lung and heart conditions and diabetes.
I had the flu recently, should I still get a flu shot?
Yes, we still recommend getting the flu shot even after you have had the flu recently. Getting the flu shot can lower the risk of becoming crook from other strains of the virus. If you have been crook with flu, you should wait until you are feeling well again before getting the flu shot.
When should I get the flu shot?
You should get the flu shot any time from April, to be ready for peak flu season. Peak flu season is usually between June and September but can be earlier. It’s never too late to vaccinate, since the flu circulates all year round.
Can I get the flu shot and COVID shot?
You should…
