Flu vaccinations are now available on campus
**UPDATE Tuesday 11 May: If you’re unable to book online, please keep checking availability every couple of days as we may be waiting on stock.**
As we all get used to living in a ‘COVID-Normal’ world, it’s more important than ever to be protected against other seasonal illnesses like influenza. We’ll hopefully be out and about far more in 2021, so we encourage you to book in for a flu vaccination before we hit peak flu season (June to August).
And it couldn’t be easier – you can get your flu shot at your on-campus Deakin Medical Centre (located in the Health and Wellbeing Centre).
Why you should get the flu shot
The vaccine won’t protect you against COVID-19 but it will reduce your risk of flu, which kills hundreds of people every year and leads to thousands more hospitalisations. Symptoms of the flu can last for several weeks, and include fever, aches and pains, headache, fatigue, chills and sweats.
Even if you were vaccinated last year, the flu virus is constantly changing. The protection provided by the previous year’s vaccine will diminish over time, which is why you should get a flu shot annually.
You’re eligible for a FREE flu vaccination if you’re:
- a student living on residences (register your interest at DRS reception)
- an international student who holds OSHC cover (regardless of who your provider is).
For all other students the cost is $20, which is a small price to pay for your health and peace of mind.
IMPORTANT: Vaccination against flu and COVID-19 should be separated by two weeks, so please factor this in if you’ve recently had, or are booked in to have, a COVID-19 vaccination.
How to get your flu shot
- Book your appointment online – choose your campus, click the green ‘book appointment’ button and select the ‘flu vaccination’ option. If you’re unable to book online, please keep checking availability as we may be waiting on stock.
- When you visit the Health and Wellbeing Centre you must wear a face mask. We have limited stocks of masks, so please source and bring your own if possible. Physical distancing measures remain in place, so please follow all staff instructions.
Remember: if on the day of your appointment you’re not feeling well, you’ve been tested for COVID-19 or you’ve been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case, please do NOT attend. Instead, call the dedicated 24-hour hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit the Victorian Government coronavirus website for information on what to do next.
You can also go to your GP or your local pharmacy for a flu shot, but call ahead to check they have stock as sometimes community demand outweighs supply.
Keep washing those hands!
We all learnt a LOT about the importance of good hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this principle is just as important when it comes to the flu. So make sure you always wash your hands regularly with soap and water after using the bathroom, and before touching or eating food.
Other health tips to keep on practising include:
- Staying at home if you feel sick or unwell.
- Coughing into your elbow rather than your hands – you’ll be less likely to spread germs when touching other objects.
- Eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep and keeping up with your usual exercise routine during winter.
- Staying warm by wearing appropriate clothing outdoors.
What to do if you start to feel unwell
If you do get sick, quarantine yourself and get checked out straight away – don’t wait for things to get worse. You can book a free appointment with the Deakin Medical Centre or contact your local doctor. Depending on your symptoms, you may be asked to have a COVID-19 test or a telehealth appointment.
If you need medical assistance after hours or on weekends, call the National Home Doctor Service on 13SICK (13 74 25) – they operate 24 hours a day and can visit you at your home. (This service isn’t available in Warrnambool, so contact your local doctor for after-hours assistance.)
If you can’t get to a doctor, contact NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) or go to your closest hospital emergency department.
More information
Visit our vaccinations webpage or email [email protected] and a nurse will respond during business hours.