 Influenza Vaccinations
“Research shows that organisations gain $4 of productivity for every $1 spent on an influenza vaccination program.”
What is Influenza?
Influenza is a viral disease, spread by contact with infected body fluids, for example through sneezing, coughing, sore throat and respiratory symptoms - (runny nose, sinus pain etc). Once influenza has been contracted, it may take several weeks to recover. People with low immune systems, the old and frail and the very young are more susceptible to influenza. Some forms of influenza can be fatal.
Who should be vaccinated against Influenza?
Anyone who is susceptible to influenza should be vaccinated. This includes the aged, the very young, people with compromised immune systems, those in regular contact with infected people, and persons with chronic illness. The vaccine is also likely to benefit persons with asthma, women who are planning to become pregnant in advance of the pregnancy and the influenza season, and women who will be 4 to 9 months pregnant during the influenza season. Employers often provide Influenza Vaccinations for staff as a way of preventing the spread of influenza in the work place.
Is the Vaccination Safe?
The vaccine does not cause influenza, and does not contain live virus.
MOST PEOPLE HAVE NO SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS FROM INFLUENZA VACCINATION AS THE VACCINE IS GENERALLY WELL TOLERATED.
However, it should not be administered to people with allergies to poultry products or antibiotics (Noemycin, Polymyxin or Gentamicin). It should also be avoided by people who have a high fever. People taking the following medications should not have the Influenza Vaccination unless their doctor advises otherwise: Thoephyline, Warfarin or Phenytoin.
Some people may experience tenderness and redness at the injection site, or general "flu like" symptoms such as low-grade fever, runny nose and joint pain. Paracetamol is useful in easing these symptoms. More severe reactions to the vaccine are extremely rare, but may include a disorder called Guillian-Barre Syndrome - which affects the nervous system and causes a paralysis.
Our staff are qualified to deal with any of these unlikely situations. Please notify them immediately if any of the following symptoms occur, or if unavailable seek medical help immediately:-
Difficult in breathing / Gastrointestinal cramps / Fits or Seizures /
Burning or Itching skin / Dizziness or Confusion / Muscle weakness
How often do I need the Influenza Vaccination?
The Influenza Virus changes regularly. Every year a new Vaccine is developed to immunise against the 2 or 3 most serious forms of Influenza. For this reason the Vaccination needs to be administered every year prior to the onset of winter. This vaccination is given in one dose as an injection, usually in the upper arm. The vaccine works by causing the body to protect itself against infection by influenza viruses, Types A and B, that are in the vaccine. Following vaccination, the body produces antibodies that effectively fight the influenza viruses contained in the vaccine. The body can take a few weeks to develop protection against the influenza virus.
For example The 2008 vaccine contained the following purified inactivated virus type fragments:
Type A: Solomon Islands - H1N1 strain
Type A: Brisbane - H3N2 strain
Type B: Florida
(Reference:- "The Australian Immunisation Handbook 8th Edition 2003 NHMRC)
Links:
Employer Facts Sheet
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