Influenza Vaccination
Information and Consent Form
Influenza virus infection causes a wide spectrum of disease which can include abrupt onset of malaise, fever, chills, headache, anorexia and myalgia. Complications of influenza include bronchitis, croup, otitis media, pneumonia, myocarditis and pericarditis.
In most years, minor or major epidemics of Type A or Type B influenza occur. Epidemics usually occur during the winter months. During epidemics, there is a rise in mortality especially among the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
Influenza vaccination effectiveness depends primarily on the age and immunocompetence of the vaccine recipient, and the degree of similarity between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation.
Annual vaccination against influenza is strongly recommended by NSW Health and by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Possible adverse events after vaccination include:
- Local reactions at the vaccination site (> 10%)
- Fever, malaise and myalgia (1-10%)
- Immediate adverse events such as hives, anglo-oedema, asthma or anaphylaxis are a rare consequence of influenza vaccination.
Reference: The Australian Immunisation Handbook – 14 September 2018