Reduce your risk of respiratory illness going into these colder winter months by getting your flu shot on campus
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has advised of an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including influenza (the flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as we head into the colder winter months.
Catching a respiratory illness makes you feel rotten and can lead to major consequences like hospitalisation or even death for vulnerable people. So, it’s important that we all roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated.
If you haven’t had the chance already, immunisations are available for respiratory illnesses, including the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, and now would be a great time to get vaccinated as soon as you can. Our on-campus Deakin Medical Centres are currently offering flu shots, so make a booking.
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 constantly changing and so any protection provided by a previous vaccine will diminish over time. To counteract this, the flu vaccine formulation is also updated and intended to be received annually.
A new flu vaccine is developed each year because the influenza virus strains changes. The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors these changes and recommends the specific strains to include in the vaccine annually to match the predicted circulating viruses. As a result, it is important to have annual flu vaccines.
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.
- If you’re an international student, your flu vaccination is funded until Sunday 31 August 2025 regardless of your overseas cover provider or status.
- If you’re a domestic student living on Res, your flu vaccination is funded until Monday 30 June 2025. You’ll need to provide your proof of residency (your Deakin Card with a Resi 2025 sticker) at the Health and Wellbeing Centres.
- Otherwise, it’s just A$20 – a small price to pay for your health and peace of mind.
If on the day of your appointment you’re not feeling well, please cancel or reschedule your appointment.
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. Please note that your flu vaccine is only funded by Deakin if you receive it through the DMC.
For more information, visit our vaccinations webpage or email askanurse@deakin.edu.au and a nurse will respond during business hours.
Other precautions you can take
In addition to getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene is important for staying healthy. Always 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
- In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) or go to your closest hospital emergency department.
- If you start experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness and want to see a doctor, you can make a booking at the Deakin Medical Centre at your nearest campus.
- If you need medical assistance at your home after hours or on weekends, call the National Home Doctor Service on 13SICK (13 74 25). Please note, 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.