21 April 2022
Flu season is just around the corner. Getting vaccinated against influenza is the best way of protecting you, your loved ones and others from the flu. This year it is even more important. We are all more vulnerable to influenza due to lower recent exposure to the virus and lower uptake of influenza vaccines. With international borders reopening, it’s likely we will see more influenza in 2022.
Influenza vaccination prepares your immune system to fight influenza viruses. The immunity provided by the vaccine can protect you from becoming sick if you get exposed to influenza in the community. This immunity can also reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick.
What is the seasonal flu?
Influenza is highly infectious and a potentially serious disease. It spreads by droplets from coughing or sneezing and is often described as seasonal as it tends to occur in the cooler, winter months. Older people living in aged care homes are particularly vulnerable to the flu. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia which can result in severe illness for older people and those whose health may put them at risk.
What can I do to help stop the spread?
While Whiddon has robust procedures, policies and guidelines in place, we also rely on visitors to help us to control, reduce and prevent infection. There are simple steps that you can take to help us protect you and those around you from infection when you are visiting our care homes and services.
Get a flu shot
An annual flu shot helps to protect you and your loved ones from the flu. For the last two years, the flu vaccine has been mandated for all visitors to aged care homes. While this has not yet been mandated for 2022, we expect that it will once again become a condition of entry over the flu season. You can prepare for this by having your free flu vaccine.
Talk to your GP about how to access your flu vaccine, so you can give protection against the flu, your best shot!
Encourage others to get a flu shot
Encourage your family and friends to see their GP to arrange a free flu vaccination.
Avoid spreading illness
Wash your hands regularly with liquid soap and water or alcohol hand rub when you visit. Cover your mouth when coughing and put tissues in the bin immediately after use.
Stay away if you’re sick
If you have recently been sick, been in contact with someone who is sick, or you have symptoms of respiratory illness (including fever, sore throat, cough, muscle and joint pain, tiredness or exhaustion) or symptoms of gastro, please do not visit.
Where can I find out more information?
Find out how you can help stop the flu in 2022 by reading this NSW Health brochure.
Covid-19 Winter Vaccination Dose
Please also note that our residential aged care services are arranging clinics for the winter COVID vaccinations to be delivered by local GPs or in-reach clinics via the Department of Health.
The dates for these clinics will be communicated once they are confirmed and consent will be sought as per our usual process.
We thank you for helping to keep everyone in our Whiddon family safe.
