Who Should And Shouldn’t Get the Flu Vaccine?

Ask any doctor in Australia, and he or she will tell you that the flu vaccine is a tremendously beneficial tool in the fight against the flu – for most people. However, there are a few exceptions to who can and should receive the vaccine. Before heading in for a flu shot, then, double check to make sure that you’re not on the “danger list” of those who should avoid it.

People Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine –

The flu vaccination isn’t just a good idea for some people – it should be considered mandatory. Scan the list below; if any one of the listings describes you or someone you love, make sure to make getting the flu vaccine a top priority. It is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the best time for Australians to get vaccinated is March through to April. Typically, these vaccinations take effect within two weeks.

The flu vaccine is highly recommended for:

==> Adults over age 65

==> Anyone over age six months with any of these conditions: cancer, diabetes, asthma, chronic kidney, heart or metabolic disorders or chronic respiratory disorders

==> Torres Strait and Aboriginal Islanders over age 50, due to their increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments

==> People who have a suppressed immune system because of HIV, or people who are taking immune suppressing drugs

==> Kids suffering from cyanotic congenital heart disease

==> Kids who are on long-term aspirin therapy

==> Outpatients and inpatients of public hospitals who are at higher risk for complications from influenza

==> Residents of chronic care facilities like hostels and nursing homes

==> Health care workers

==> Anyone caring for elderly people, or for people with any of the conditions listed above

==> Expectant mothers who will be in their second or third trimester between the months June and October; they are likelier to suffer from more severe complications. The influenza vaccine is completely safe for pregnant women

People Who Should Not Get The Flu Vaccine –

Although the influenza vaccine is enormously beneficial for the majority of people, it isn’t safe or suitable for everyone. The following people should not receive the vaccine:

==> People with an allergy to eggs; the vaccine is developed using hens’ eggs, so if you have a severe allergy to eggs it could be dangerous for you

==> Infants under age six months should not be given the flu shot under any circumstances

==> People who have suffered from Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in the past. There has been a connection made between the syndrome and the vaccine in the northern hemisphere

==> Those who are already suffering from a fever. Symptoms such as fever should subside prior to administering the flu vaccine; once a person is healthy again, they can receive the vaccine