Flu Vaccination

Flu Vaccination

Seasonal influenza (or “flu”) is most often caused by type A or B influenza viruses. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, and a runny nose.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends annual vaccination for high-risk groups including children younger than 5 years, people older than 65 years, pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, people with chronic medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, heart and lung diseases and diabetes, and people with an increased risk of exposure to influenza, which includes healthcare workers. It is always good for everyone to vaccinate against flu each year, however this year it has become incredibly important to stay in good health and keep yourself well-armed against infection.

You can be immunised with both the flu vaccine and the Covid-19 vaccine, but they should not be given at the same time. It does not matter which vaccine is administered first but it is recommended that the vaccines be given at least 14 days apart.

Pharmacy based flu vaccinations:

Head to your nearest pharmacy-based clinic (e.g. Clicks, PicknPay or DisChem Pharmacies) to get your 2021 flu vaccination. Please call the pharmacy ahead to book an appointment (where applicable) and to ensure that the flu vaccines are available.

Be sure to ask your pharmacist and/or nurse for the 4-strain Influenza vaccination.

Remember: flu vaccinations form part of your CompCare preventative care benefit and are paid from your risk benefit.