Why it’s extra important to have your flu shot this year – get yours now on campus
With COVID dominating our lives and limiting our movement for the past couple of years, very few people have been catching other seasonal illnesses like influenza (‘flu’). While there’s normally thousands of hospitalisations and hundreds of deaths in Australia each year from flu, 2021 saw the fewest ever reported cases – and no recorded deaths.
But that’s all likely to change in 2022. While we’re all thrilled that most restrictions have eased and borders are reopening, an inevitable consequence will be a strong surge in flu cases.
That’s why it’s so crucial that we all roll up our sleeves once more and get vaccinated against the flu. It’s best to do this before we hit peak flu season (June to September), so now’s the time – even if you’re feeling a little ‘vaxxed out’ from COVID.
And it couldn’t be easier – you can get your flu shot at your on-campus Deakin Medical Centre (DMC).
Why you should get the flu shot
Symptoms of the flu can last for several weeks, and include fever, aches and pains, headache, fatigue, chills and sweats.
The flu virus is also constantly changing. Any protection provided by a previous vaccine will diminish over time, so you should get a flu shot annually.
How to get your flu shot on campus
It’s easy to book your appointment online – just 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.
Your flu vaccination is FREE if you’re:
- a domestic student living at Deakin Res
- an international student who holds OSHC cover (regardless of who your provider is).
Otherwise, it’s just $20 – a small price to pay for your health and peace of mind.
During your appointment you must wear a face mask. If on the day of your appointment you’re not feeling well, you’ve been tested for COVID-19 or you’re a confirmed contact, please do NOT attend. Visit the Victorian Government COVID Checklist to find out what you should do now.
You can also go to your GP or local pharmacy for a flu shot – but call ahead to check they have stock as sometimes community demand outweighs supply.
Other precautions you can take
We’re all experts in good hygiene these days, so keep it up during flu season! Remember to:
- wash your hands regularly with soap and water after using the bathroom, and before touching or eating food
- stay at home if you feel unwell
- cough into your elbow rather than your hands – you’ll be less likely to spread germs when touching other objects
- eat a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep and keep up with your usual exercise routine during winter
- stay warm by wearing appropriate clothing outdoors.
What to do if you start to feel unwell
If you do get sick, quarantine yourself and take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) straight away (or a PCR test if you can’t obtain a RAT). If you:
- test positive for COVID-19: you must report your result and isolate because you are a case
- test negative for COVID-19: book a free appointment with the DMC or contact your local doctor so you can receive further treatment.
If you need medical assistance at your home after hours or on weekends, call the National Home Doctor Service on 13SICK (13 74 25). (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.
For more information, visit our vaccinations webpage or email [email protected] and a nurse will respond during business hours.