Why the flu vaccination is important for seniors
As we age, the threat of flu-related complications, like pneumonia, looms larger, potentially leading to hospital stays and ongoing health issues. In this journey of ageing, safeguarding against such risks becomes paramount. One of the most effective measures? The annual flu shot.
The Flu Vaccine functions by rallying the body’s defences, prompting the production of antibodies tailored to combat the specific strains of influenza contained in the vaccine. While it won’t make you completely immune, it can definitely make the flu less severe and lower your chances of having serious problems.
Why should you get the Flu Vaccine?
Doctors recommend that everyone over six months old should get the flu shot every year, unless there's a medical reason not to. Getting it early, like in April, gives your body time to build up protection before flu season hits its peak around August. The flu shot gets updated each year to match the latest strains of the virus. This means you need to get vaccinated again to make sure you're protected against the newest types of flu going around. In Australia, certain groups of people are eligible for free flu shots because they're at higher risk. This includes young children, older adults, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and those with certain health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart problems, or weak immune systems.
Will the Flu Vaccine give you the flu?
One prevalent myth about the flu vaccine is the belief that it can actually give you the flu. According to the World Health Organisation, this is simply not true. The injected flu vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot cause influenza. If you feel achy or slightly feverish after getting the shot, it’s a normal immune response to the vaccine, usually lasting only a day or two. Dispelling such myths is crucial because getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from the flu and its potentially severe complications.
How do they make the Flu Vaccine?
Making the flu vaccine is a careful process. Experts from around the world meet twice a year to decide which flu strains to include. Then, in Australia, health authorities decide which strains will be in our vaccine. The goal is to cover the most common types of flu that are expected to spread each year.
Why vaccines like the Flu Vaccine matter
Vaccines don't just keep individuals safe; they also help protect whole communities. When enough people get vaccinated, it's harder for the flu to spread. This means vulnerable folks who can't get vaccinated, like those with certain medical conditions, are also shielded from getting sick. By getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19, older adults do their part in keeping everyone safe. It helps reduce the strain on our hospitals and keeps our communities healthier.