Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu Vaccination
With flu season on the horizon it’s important to get educated about how to best minimise your chance of contracting and spreading the flu, and vaccination is the best way to do this! With vaccines being a hot topic at the moment, it’s important to know the facts so below we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions we see in our practices regarding the flu vaccine.
Question #1: Can I be vaccinated against influenza if I have an Egg allergy?
Yes, people with Egg allergy including anaphylaxis can be safely vaccinated with influenza vaccine. Please discuss with your health provider if you have any concerns.
Question #2: Can I be vaccinated against influenza if I have a latex allergy?
Yes, all of the government funded influenza vaccines are latex free, if you have a latex allergy please discuss this with your health professional but there are vaccines that are safe for you.
Question #3: Am I going to need two vaccinations this season?
In previous years this has been recommended to cover individuals for the entire flu season however it has not been recommended this year. There is no danger if you do end up somehow having two vaccinations this season.
Question #4: When will my flu vaccine start working?
The antibody response to the influenza vaccine takes about 2 weeks after you have the vaccination to kick in, and provides optimal cover for about 4 months after you have had the vaccination.
Question #5: Does the influenza vaccination really work?
Yes it does! Studies show that it reduces the chance of getting influenza by about 60% and your chance of being hospitalized for severe influenza by close to 90%.
Question #6: Why are there different vaccines for over 65’s?
The reason for this is that this age group is often more at risk of the flu and more detrimental complications which can come from influenza. The government has provided free vaccination for those over 65 that creates a very strong immunity against the strains that they think are going to be most dangerous to them that year.
As always consult with your GP or health professional to get advice that is right for you and check out the link below for more information: www.immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au
Important News
Dealing with the Flu
Influenza is caused by a virus. Most people recover after a few days, but in some it can be life-threatening. To avoid influenza, have an annual influenza vaccination. If you have influenza, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands before touching others, and stay at home.
Dealing with Depression and Anxiety
Talking to your GP about a change in your mental health is a very good place to start to get you on the road to recovery. GPs care for many people who are feeling low or distressed. They can help you find a way back to a better frame of mind.
Quit Smoking – Preparation is the key!
The more prepared and motivated you are, the more likely you are to succeed in quitting. Developing a quit plan can help. The benefits that you have to gain as a non-smoker outweigh the short-term difficulties of quitting.
Do you need an IUD inserted and/or removed?
IUD’s are safe, cheap and effective contraception, and work well to control heavy periods.
Do you need a skin lesion looked at or removed?
Which ever doctor you choose here at Blackbutt, they will be very happy to give you thorough skin check.
Why it’s important to identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patient
Identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients is important because it makes a difference to clinical care.
Cervical Screening has changed
As many of you will already be aware, from December 2017 Australia changed the program for screening for cervical cancer.
Are you using a Proton Pump Inhibitor?
Proton pump inhibitors (you might know them by the names of Somac or Nexium), are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the Australian community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu Vaccination
With flu season on the horizon it’s important to get educated about how to best minimise your chance of contracting and spreading the flu, and vaccination is the best way to do this!
Sleep and Insomnia
Sleep disorders are a very common reason for presentation to the GP. Sleep is so important to your physical and mental health so it’s crucial that if you are consistently having trouble sleeping that you discuss this with your GP.
Being connected to your health has never been easier!
At Blackbutt Doctors, we are incorporating technology to make communication about your health as easy and convenient as possible.
Changes to Billing for TeleHealth Appointments
Important patient information regarding changes in billing for TeleHealth appointments.
Blackbutt Clinical Centre win PHN’s ‘Supporting Patients Through Technology’ Award
Blackbutt were awarded for ” Supporting Patients Through Technology” last night at the Primary Health Networks’ Primary Care Quality and Innovation Awards 2021.
Infectious Symptoms Clinic Ceasing
From Monday the 20th of March 2023 there will be a different way to manage clinic appointments.
AI transcription for note-taking during consultations.
Starting Monday, August 5th, our general practice will implement AI transcription for note-taking during consultations.
Breast Screening and Breast Density
Understanding Breast Density: What You Need to Know
Changes to Mental Health Appointments Under Medicare
Medicare is introducing updates to the Better Access mental health program to help improve continuity of care and support ongoing patient wellbeing.
Important Centre Update – Bulk Billing
From 1 November, you may encounter media coverage suggesting that general practices are “returning to bulk billing.” We wish to be transparent—this change does not apply to our clinic.
Welcoming Dr Andrew French to Blackbutt Doctors
Blackbutt Clinical Centre is pleased to welcome Dr Andrew French to our growing team of dedicated general practitioners.