Can I get the Flu Vaccine at North Dandenong Clinic?
Yes, the flu vaccine is available at our North Dandenong Clinic, and is available prior to and during the winter period. It is recommended for all people 6 months of age and over.
Why should I get the Flu Vaccine?
The Flu (also known as Influenza) can be serious and can result in hospitalisation and in extreme cases, death. Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks. Lower your risks of getting this infection, by getting a flu vaccination on an annual basis.
What is the flu?
Flu is often more formally called Influenza. It is a highly contagious viral infection. Vaccination is the best way to provide your body with a defense mechanism against this infection as antibiotics are ineffective.
There are a few tips to reduce the opportunities to get the flu:
- Avoid close contact with others who are ill.
- Wash your hands regularly throughout the day with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitiser.
- Use a tissue if you cough or sneeze.
If you do get the flu:
- Isolate yourself by staying home from work or school.
- Remove yourself from close contact with others, to reduce the spread of the infection.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes, either with a tissue or your elbow.
- Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser.
- Avoid crowded areas, so the chance of spreading the infection is reduced.
Who are those most likely to be impacted by flu?
Some people in our community will be at higher risk from flu type infections, and these include:
- Babies
- Toddlers
- Pregnant mothers
- The Elderly; and
- Those with pre-existing health conditions.
In some cases, more than one dose may be required, however our nurses will be able to discuss this with you in more detail.
If you have a pre-existing health condition, please discuss this with our medical team prior to booking an appointment for a flu vaccine at our North Dandenong Clinic.
How do you know you have flu?
At first, the flu may seem like a cold with sneezing, a sore throat and coughing. But you will soon notice an increase in the following symptoms if it progresses into the flu:
- Fever or chills
- Difficulty in breathing
- Severe sore throat
- Runny nose
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea are also flu symptoms, although these are more common in children than adults.
Book an appointment at our North Dandenong Clinic, if you are feeling unwell and have some or a number of the symptoms above. Our medical team will attend to you and once you are well again and have no fever, we recommend you consider having the flu vaccination in our North Dandenong clinic.
If I get the flu vaccine, will this prevent me from getting flu in the winter?
A flu vaccine is not 100% effective. But you will be less likely to get flu, or the severity of it will most likely be reduced if you do get it.
Possible side effects of the flu vaccine
Talk to our medical team about possible side effects you may have following the flu vaccine. These can include:
- Feeling weak and/or tired
- Pain and swelling around the injection site.
- Muscle Aches
These may last 1 to 2 days, although most are only minor. Avoid using your arm in vigorous exercise or lifting heavy items for a few days and allow the injection site to heal. Contact our Medical Clinic should you have any concerns regarding the length of time you are feeling unwell.
Additional Information :
Further information is available via this Australian Government Website.
By having a flu vaccine at our North Dandenong Clinic, not only are you protecting your own health, but you are also reducing the spread of the infection within your community.
At North Dandenong Clinic we are here to assist you with your flu vaccine. Call our clinic on (03) 9793 5395 to book an appointment or to find out more information.
