Winter isn't far away and so is the flu season. Now is the time to plan your flu (influenza) vaccinations. We are experiencing very high demand for flu vaccines.

We offer extensive promotional materials to organisations who are vaccinating this year. We can discuss all aspects of this preventable infection. Please watch here for details and more information.

For Quotations on Vaccinations go to:

Quotation and enquiry form

What is the flu?

The flu (influenza) is a very contagious viral infection. It affects the nose, throat and lungs. Unlike the common cold it can make people very sick and can be fatal in some, particularly those who are old or unwell.

How do I catch flu (influenza)?

You can catch flu (influenza) by breathing in tiny droplets that go into the air when a person with influenza coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching a surface which has the flu virus on it, and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. When people with influenza cough onto a surface or onto their hand, that surface can keep the virus for more than a day. Also if you shake the hand of a person with the flu who has sneezed or coughed into their hand you can transmit flu to yourself.

What are the symptoms of flu (influenza)?

With flu you often get very suddenly unwell with: fever, aches and pains, headache, sore throat, cough and tiredness. You may be sick for two weeks. Influenza can lead to pneumonia which is a severe infection of the lungs and can be very serious if not treated.

How effective are flu vaccines?

The influenza vaccine has been shown to be up to 90% effective in preventing influenza according to the NH&MRC.

How soon after the flu vaccination does it work?

Adequate immunity to flu is gained about two weeks after the vaccination. It is important not to have the flu vaccine too late in the season as you risk getting the flu before the vaccine can take effect.

Is it worth the cost in workplaces to give flu vaccine to many people?

Flu vaccine has also been shown to be cost-effective in many studies [1-5]. Savings per person are due to fewer days off work with flu and less need for health care. They vary from year to year depending on the severity of the outbreak that year. Some research has shown savings of $US84 per person [2]. Others estimate saving $US46 per person [3, 4], or $US15 - $US50 in another study [4]. One study looking at sickness absence from flu estimated companies save $US2.58 per dollar spent on vaccination [5].

What other effects of the flu are important for workplaces?

In addition to financial saving, there are also safety reasons for vaccinating your staff against influenza. In a study published in the British Medical Journal, it was shown that influenza can slow reaction times by 20-40% for those who continue to work whilst ill, increasing the probability of error or injury [6].

Does flu vaccine make me feel unwell like the flu?

No. The influenza vaccine is not associated with any more systemic side effects (fever, aches and pains, fatigue, malaise, headaches) than for a placebo vaccine [7].

Does the flu vaccine prevent me getting bird flu?

The regular human influenza vaccine will not prevent infection from the avian influenza virus. However, the Centres for Disease Control in the USA is recommending flu vaccine for workers who may be involved in outbreak control and eradication - not because it will prevent avian influenza - but in the event of an avian influenza outbreak, being vaccinated against human influenza will mean that individuals will not have to deal with both regular and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

What if I have any questions?

If you have any questions about the flu vaccine go to:
Quotation and Enquiry form

If you would like QOH to help with your flu vaccination programme, please contact our Flu Program Coordinator on 02 9897 7699 or at fluvac@qoh.com.au for a free quote. Remember - early ordering is important to ensure adequate supplies of vaccines.

For more information on the vaccine go to:
Sanofi Pasteur Australia

References:

1. Nichol, K.L., Cost-benefit analysis of a strategy to vaccinate healthy working adults against influenza. Arch Intern Med, 2001. 161(5): p. 749-59.
2. Dille, J.H., A worksite influenza immunization program. Impact on lost work days, health care utilization, and health care spending. Aaohn J, 1999. 47(7): p. 301-9.
3. Nichol, K.L., et al., The effectiveness of vaccination against influenza in healthy, working adults. N Engl J Med, 1995. 333(14): p. 889-93.
4. Olsen, G.W., M.E. Steinberg, and C.A. Ley, Worksite influenza immunization programs. Insight into the implementation and cost-benefit. Aaohn J, 2005. 53(3): p. 105-10.
5. Campbell, D.S. and M.H. Rumley, Cost-effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in a healthy, working-age population. J Occup Environ Med, 1997. 39(5): p. 408-14.
6. Smith, A.P., et al., Effect of influenza B virus infection on human performance. Bmj, 1993. 306(6880): p. 760-1.
7. Nichol, K.L., et al., Side effects associated with influenza vaccination in healthy working adults. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Intern Med, 1996. 156(14): p. 1546-50.