Influenza Vaccination – Information
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
COVID-19 Vaccination – Information
Before you fill out this form, make sure you read the information sheet on the vaccine you will be getting. Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Spikevax (Moderna).
People who have a COVID-19 vaccination have a much lower chance of getting sick from COVID-19.
There are three brands of vaccine in use in Australia. All are effective and safe. Pfizer or Moderna are preferred over AstraZeneca for adults under 60 years of age.
Australian Government TGA, have recommended booster doses of Pfizer for those that completed their course 6 months ago. This is the case for all original residents of Maroba in April.
Medical experts have studied COVID-19 vaccines to make sure they are safe. Most side effects are mild. They may start on the day of vaccination and last for one or two days. As with any vaccine or medicine, there may be rare or unknown side effects.
A very rare side effect after AstraZeneca is called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS. This means blood clotting (thrombosis) with low blood platelet levels (thrombocytopenia). TTS does not happen after Pfizer or Moderna.
Myocarditis and pericarditis (heart inflammation) have been reported following Pfizer and Moderna. Most cases have been mild and people have recovered quickly.
Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects after vaccination that you are worried about.
You may be contacted by SMS or email in the week after you have the vaccine to see how you are feeling.
Shingles Vaccination – Information
The shingles vaccine Shingrix is recommended for adults aged 65 years and older, even if they have previously had shingles. It is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of developing shingles and can also help reduce the severity and duration of the illness if it does occur.
The vaccine is typically given as a two doses and can be administered by our vaccination nurses. Like any vaccine, it may cause some mild side effects, such as redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site, but these are usually mild and go away on their own.
To be eligible for the Shingrix regime you must be 5 years post Zostavax or 12 months post infection.
Overall, the shingles vaccine is an important tool in preventing shingles and its complications, and is recommended for most adults aged 50 and older. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if the shingles vaccine is right for you.