Page 34 - DRIVE A2B April 2020

HEALTH tips

Get your

annual flu shot

earlier than usual

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Dr Nespolon said patients should speak to their GP to
(RACGP) is encouraging patients to get their influenza discuss the right flu vaccine for their age group.
vaccination from their GP earlier than usual, so as to
reduce strain on the health system caused by COVID-19. “Older people, aged over 65 years, are advised to wait
for a special flu vaccine for their more at-risk age group
RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon said with COVID-19 that provides enhanced immunogenicity. Patients will be
spreading across Australia, this year it was more able to get the special Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine
important than ever for people to get vaccinated as (QIV) from their GP from mid-April.”
soon as possible.
“People need to call their GP to discuss getting their flu
“Protecting yourself and your family from the flu with a vaccination and plan their visit. This is important as it
vaccination NOW will help reduce the strain on health allows clinic staff to make sure patients don’t have any
resources from COVID-19. If people don’t get vaccinated flu or COVID-19 symptoms before coming to the clinic,
and an increasing number of flu patients and COVID-19 to ensure the safety of other patients, as well as GPs
patients require urgent healthcare, lives will be put at and staff,” said Dr Nespolon.
risk.”
“GPs are at the frontline and our priority is stopping the
“In a normal flu season, the RACGP advises people to spread of this virus and reducing unnecessary exposure
wait until May to receive their flu vaccination, but with for patients, GPs and everyone else in the clinic.
the spread of COVID-19, this is not a normal season.” Practices have infection control processes in place
but patients need to do their bit – that’s why you must
“The last thing we want to see is patients always call ahead, don’t just drop in.”
infected with BOTH influenza and
COVID-19,” said Dr Nespolon. Also, as of 1 May 2020, you must have your influenza
vaccination in order to visit an aged care facility.
34 DRIVE A2B magazine · www.drivea2b.com.au · April 2020