The importance of flu vaccination in 2021

1. Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause widespread illness and deaths every year.  

2. Increased hand-hygiene and social distancing helped to stop the spread of flu viruses in the community last year. Relaxing social distancing restrictions this year may allow flu viruses to recirculate, even if they were hardly seen in 2020.  

3. Influenza is a very contagious infection of the airways. It affects people of all ages. Although it can be a mild disease, it can also cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people.  

4. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from serious disease caused by influenza.

5. By getting vaccinated against influenza, you can also help protect other people, especially people who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.

6. Annual immunisation is recommended as the influenza virus is constantly changing, and the vaccine changes accordingly.  

Getting vaccinated in autumn is recommended.  This provides protection in time for the peak influenza season (usually in winter in most parts of Australia).  However, it is never too late to vaccinate since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.  

If you have any questions or concerns, always speak to your doctor.  

Source: https://www.health.gov.au/

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or health professional. Always seek your own medical advice regarding the flu vaccination from your doctor or health professional.

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