Protect yourself & others – have a flu shot this year

April 8, 2025
Shelley Pritchett
Influenza, commonly known as ‘the flu,’ is a serious illness caused by a group of viruses (the influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract. It usually presents with more severe symptoms and causes a more severe illness than most other common viral respiratory infections. It can be life-threatening in certain people; it should not be underestimated or confused with the common cold!

In most parts of Australia, seasonal influenza outbreaks occur between late autumn and early spring. Seasonal outbreaks occur every year and vary from mild sporadic outbreaks to serious epidemics; it is estimated to cause up to 100 deaths and 5,100 hospitalisations in Australia annually.

Occasionally, severe worldwide outbreaks (pandemics) occur, involving higher infection rates and more severe diseases.

Our first batch of flu vaccines for the upcoming seasonal outbreak is available at the Moruya and Broulee clinics. To get vaccinated, you can book a flu shot at the location that suits you. The vaccination process is simple and quick, and our healthcare professionals will guide you through it.
Remember, free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are available to:
  • Adults aged 65 and older
  • Children 6 months to less than 5 years
  • First Nations peoples aged 6 months and older
  • Individuals at any stage of pregnancy*
  • People 6 months and older with medical conditions that can complicate influenza, such as severe asthma, lung or heart disease, and impaired immunity.
Symptoms Read more
These include typically
– High fever
– Chills
– Severe cough
– Headaches
– Muscle aches or pain
– Sore throat
Children's symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Influenza symptoms can start to subside in as little as two to five days, but you're more likely to be out of commission for at least a week, and up to two weeks.
ProtectionRead more
Protect yourself and others
Vaccination is the best form of protection against influenza. However, if you become infected, you should:
– Clean your hands frequently using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
– Cough and sneeze into a tissue, not your hand. Throw the tissue out right away and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm
– Don't share things that go in the mouth
– Stay home if you are ill and do not return to work/other group activities until you are feeling well enough to take part again.
RisksRead more
People at an increased risk of complications from influenza:
– Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
– Those with heart conditions
– Severe asthma sufferers
– People with COPD or other lung conditions
– Individuals with diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
– Those with kidney issues
– Individuals with compromised immunity (e.g., HIV)
– Patients with malignant cancers
– Those with chronic neurological disorders
– Pregnant women
ComplicationsRead more
Complications
Complications from influenza can be nasty and include:
– Pneumonia
– Bronchitis
– Cardiovascular issues
– Sinus and ear infections
– Worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions
– Worsening of other problems such as diabetes
– death
We thank the Immunisation Coalition, Australia’s leading voice for whole-of-life immunisation. They provide resources and guidance on immunisation so that all Australians can protect themselves against preventable diseases.

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