UPDATE – THE FLU VACCINE HAS NOW ARRIVED AND WE ARE TAKING BOOKINGS FOR OUR FLU CLINICS.

ALL FLU SHOTS BOOKED INTO OUR FLU CLINICS ARE BULK BILLED.

 there is no charge for patients eligible to receive vaccines under the national immunisation program.

for all other patients there is a fee of $13.65 + GST to cover the cost of the vaccine

 

 

Timing of the flu vaccination is critical to ensure patients have the highest level of protection from the influenza virus when the flu season commences.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is advising Australian patients to receive their influenza vaccination at the right time with a specialist GP, to ensure they are protected.  RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel said there is no need for patients to rush for a flu vaccination as soon as they are available.   Specialist GPs are up-to-date on when the flu season will affect Australian patients and will continue to offer vaccinations throughout the flu season.

Typically, flu season affects Australia from June to September, with the peak being August.  Recent evidence suggests that protection following flu vaccination may begin to wear off after 3 to 4 months, so timing to vaccination is critical”  Dr Siedel said.

Dr Seidel said he was concerned some influenza vaccine providers are already advising patients to receive a flu vaccination, which could put them in danger. “Urging patients to receive their flu vaccination too early in the year may put them at serious risk. The last thing we want to see this year is patients doing the right thing and receiving a flu vaccination, only for the vaccination wear off by the time we reach flu season.”

Free QLD Health Flu Vaccine

This year, the QLD government is providing  Free  flu (influenza) vaccines for :

• children aged between 6 months and 5 years
• pregnant woman
• over 65 year olds.
• Patients with certain chronic conditions  (see this post for more info) 

Private Flu Vaccines

We have in stock already a quantity of Private flu Vaccines  for anyone wanting to have the flu shot not meeting the criteria for the fully funded vaccines such as older children, Mums and Dads, Young Professionals etc.   In fact it is recommended that everyone receives the flu vaccine and lobbying is underway for the Government to supply free to all Australians.  These are available now and  will cost  $15 per vaccine.   Early vaccination may be indicated if you are travelling overseas this Easter as you may be travelling to an area already experiencing their peak flu season.  Your GP will know when to provide you with vaccination, to ensure you have the best possible protection.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

OUR CURRENT PATIENTS WILL RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION FROM US WITH WHEN IT IS TIME TO BOOK INTO OUR FLU VACCINATION CLINICS.  THIS WILL BE BY SMS (OR BY OTHER MEANS IF YOU HAVE NOT PROVIDED US WITH YOUR MOBILE PHONE NUMBER).

ON THE SPOT VACCINATION CAN ALSO BE PROVIDED AS PART OF ANY CONSULTATION.

NEW PATIENTS ARE MOST WELCOME TO ATTEND OUR PRACTICE FOR VACCINATION.  A ‘NEW PATIENT’ CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT WILL BE REQUIRED.  YOU CAN BOOK ONLINE OR PHONE US ON 3396-2141

Can you get the Flu from the Flu Vaccine?  Click here for some facts about the Flu Vaccine, how it works, who should get it and why?

• Source: Royal Australian College General Practitioners (RACGP)