Stay protected this flu season
With flu season around the corner, now is the time to protect yourself and your family. The flu vaccine helps reduce your risk of serious illness and limits the spread of infection.
What is flu?
Flu is a viral infection that usually causes mild illness, but in some cases can lead to serious complications and hospitalisation.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Body aches and headaches
- Feeling tired or unwell
How is flu treated?
Most people recover with:
- Rest
- Fluids
- Medication to relieve symptoms
Antibiotics are not effective against flu, as it is caused by a virus.
Why get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine helps your body build protection against the virus and reduces the risk of severe illness.
- Takes about 2 weeks to become effective
- Cannot give you the flu
- Provides 40% to 60% protection in healthy adults
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes, flu vaccines are safe and well tolerated.
Possible mild side effects:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Mild fever or headache
- Muscle aches
How your Society covers the flu vaccine
If you are considered high risk, your flu vaccine is covered once a year from the Screening and Prevention Benefit, paid at 100% of the Society Rate.
This includes:
- Members aged 65 and older
- Members registered for Chronic Illness Benefit (CIB) conditions such as asthma, diabetes, HIV or chronic lung or kidney disease
If you are not high risk, the vaccine may be covered from your available day-to-day benefits.
Where to get your vaccine
You can get your flu vaccine at your doctor or nearest pharmacy. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Protect yourself and those around you
Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy this flu season.