The easing of COVID-19 restrictions has reinforced the need for Australians to be vaccinated against the flu.
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And it is easier than ever with community pharmacies across the country now having trained pharmacists ready to deliver these vaccinations.
Adding to the ease of access to the flu vax is the fact that additional supplies ordered by the Government have now been delivered so community pharmacies generally have stocks on hand ready to vaccinate patients.
It is especially important for all Australians to be vaccinated against the flu this year.
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis highlights how critical it is to remain as healthy as possible to have a stronger resistance to catching it, or to recover quickly if you do catch it.
Australia is in the unenviable situation of having to deal with the crisis at a time of the year when we usually face the onset of the flu season.
The need to be immunised against the flu is not something to be taken lightly.
The flu is a virus which affects the respiratory tract and is usually worse in the winter months. The main symptoms are tiredness, fever, chills, headache, cough, sneezing and runny nose, and muscle aches.
For some people, catching the flu can be life threatening. By being vaccinated, you not only protect yourself, but also those around you who are unable to be vaccinated or who are at a higher risk of complications if they caught the flu - such as the elderly, babies and young children. People with poor immune systems or a chronic illness and those with respiratory and/or heart conditions, or diabetes are especially at risk.
It is recommended that everyone over the age of six months should be vaccinated against the flu although at present pharmacies in most States and Territories can only vaccinate those 10 years and older.
Like all medicines, there can be mild side effects with flu vaccines such as soreness, redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, drowsiness, tiredness, muscle aches and low-grade temperature or fever.
These side effects will usually go away within a few days without any treatment.