2018 Flu Vaccinations
When will the 2018 Flu Vaccinations be available in Queensland and what will they cost? This year’s flu vaccinations are due to arrive late March for private vaccines and early April for the Government funded vaccines. Early bird vaccinations will be offered at $9.99 for a limited time only. Be one of the first to receive your flu vaccination this year and you could attack the flu before it attacks you.
Click Book Now to secure an appointment!
ABOUT QUADRIVALENT FLU VACCINES 2018 (SUPERCHARGED VACCINE)
You may have recently heard about this year’s release of Quadrivalent vaccines in the News. The media has also referred to them as “turbo vaccines” or “supercharged vaccines”.
The Quadrivalent influenza vaccine components for the Australian 2018 influenza season will contain the following:
- A (H1N1): an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09 like virus
- A (H3N2): an A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016 (H3N2) like virus
- B: a B/Phuket/3073/2013 like virus
- B: a B/Brisbane/60/2008 like virus
What is the difference between 2018 flu vaccines and 2017?
In 2018, the recommended composition of Quadrivalent influenza vaccine for Australia introduces a new A (H3N2) like virus strain when compared to the composition of the trivalent and Quadrivalent vaccines for Australia in 2017.
In 2018 there will only be Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccines available in Australia. This will be the first time that the Trivalent Vaccine will not be available to the Australian market (either public or private).
Who can get these vaccines?
Infant ages 6 months to under 5 years - (FREE – Government funded)
Child ages 5 years to 17 years – $9.99 (early bird offer*)
Adult 18 years to 65 years old – $9.99 (early bird offer*)
Senior 65 years and older - (FREE – Government funded)
Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander (between 6 months & 5 years or 15 years and over) - (FREE – Government funded)
Have had a chronic illness for over 6 months and over (FREE – Government funded)
What is covered under Chronic Illness?
- Cardiac Disease
- Respiratory Conditions
- Neurologist conditions
- Immunocompromising conditions
- Diabetes
- Renal Disease
- Hematological Disorders
- Longer Term asthmatic therapy in Children 6 months to 10 years
What if I’m aged 18 – 65 years of age?
For adults under the age of 65, we encourage you to book your 2018 flu vaccine as early as possible. The standard vaccine is called Afluria Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine and it provides very high protection against 4 strains of Influenza. It is due to arrive in early March and is only $9.99 as part of our Early Bird offer. We will send out a notification to let our patients know once the vaccines have arrived at Jema Clinic.
How often do I need to get the flu vaccine?
Yearly, as the strains of flu virus can change from year to year. The vaccine may also change to protect against the most recent flu virus strains. Even if the flu strains do not change, a yearly vaccine for influenza is still recommended as immunity from flu vaccination is not long lasting.
It is also highly contagious, so you could pass it on to someone at risk. The Flu is potentially a life-threatening illness for the young, frail and the aged.
What are the most common symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms may occur 1 to 3 days after infection, and generally seem like the ‘common cold’. Typical flu symptoms could include:
- Tiredness - Fever
- Chills - Cough
- Headache - Sneezing & Runny Nose
- Poor Appetite - Muscle Aches
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms this flu season, please see your doctor. Further health problems can develop in some people after flu infection including pneumonia, heart, blood system and liver complications, which can lead to death, especially in children and older people.
