As the Southern Hemisphere winter grips Australia, the nation has faced an alarming peak in influenza cases at the end of June, marking a significant delay of two weeks compared to the previous year. This surge has placed the 2023 flu season among the most severe since 2019, with a staggering 13.5% increase in flu … Read more
A new Omicron variant (BA.2), now responsible for 80% of the UK Omicron cases, is at risk of causing a nationwide case surge during Autumn. However, it is confirmed that the vaccines and antiviral medication is just as effective on this new strain as it was on the original strain. It is being advised to … Read more
Household contacts of a positive COVID-19 cases may not need to isolate under the new regulations that are being considered by the National Cabinet. The latest information provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on Omicron and any early signs of flu is being used as well as the likelihood of expected hospitalisations … Read more
Can I get a flu vaccination if I’ve had my COVID-19 vaccination? The ATAGI has recommended that individuals need to allow a 2-week gap between having their COVID-19 vaccination and Flu vaccination (either before/after you have a COVID-19 vaccine). We have created this planner to help individuals prepare for their Covid-19 and Flu vaccine. Will … Read more
It is impossible to overlook the importance of regular flu vaccinations, especially in the workplace. Given its highly contagious nature, the slight occurrence of influenza within the workforce can be detrimental to the corporation’s overall productivity. Ideally, a healthy workplace is a happy workplace. Management, therefore, needs to ensure that influenza immunisation is considered a … Read more
Society often assumes that flu is only of a concern in “flu season”, and this means that too many people neglect to get their flu vaccines topped up. However, the flu can strike at any time of year—and getting the flu is sure to leave you feeling incredibly unwell. In fact, for some people, getting … Read more
The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) met at TGA, Canberra, on Wednesday 9th October 2019, to recommend influenza viruses to be used in the composition of the influenza vaccines for 2020. During this meeting, the expert committee reviewed and evaluated data related to epidemiology, antigenic and genetic characteristics of recent influenza isolates circulating in Australia … Read more
NSW children aged from six months to under five years of age will be offered free influenza shots. Parents can access the free flu shot from their usual immunisation provider: their GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, community health centre or some local councils. (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Publications/nsw-immunisation-schedule.pdf) If you belong to any of the categories below, you are also … Read more
According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. The good news is that 95 per cent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if detected early. Do you know what skin cancer looks like? A simple check could save your life. We should all check … Read more
Absenteeism currently costs the Australian economy about $7 billion*, while the cost of presenteeism (where employees are sick on the job) is approximately $34# billion through lost productivity. Influenza, or as it’s commonly known, “the Flu”, is a highly contagious virus that can affect the entire body. It’s easily spreadable and is contagious even before symptoms appear. Being vaccinated … Read more