Patients warned against early flu shot

Dr Harry Nespolon said Australians need to be aware that the timing of the influenza vaccination is critical to getting the highest level of protection when the flu season commences.
 
‘Urging people to receive their flu vaccination too early in the year may not actually cover them for the flu season, and put them at risk,’ Dr Nespolon said.
 
‘We do not want to see patients who are doing the right thing in receiving a flu vaccination, getting the wrong advice and getting it too early and seeing the vaccination lose effectiveness by the time we reach the peak of the flu season.’
 
Australia has had a record number of influenza cases over summer, with nearly 20,000 laboratory confirmed cases so far this year. Despite this, Dr Nespolon said there is no rush for patients to receive a flu vaccination just yet.
 
‘Typically, flu season affects Australia from June to September, with the peak being August,’ Dr Nespolon said.
 
‘Recent evidence suggests that protection following flu vaccination may begin to wear off after three to four months, so timing of the vaccination is critical to make sure you are not unprotected at the end of the season.
 
‘Holding off from vaccination until mid-April would actually be more beneficial for most patients, as opposed to rushing out to get their vaccination as soon as possible.’
 
Dr Nespolon added that specialist GPs are best placed to advise patients on when to get vaccinated in order to achieve the highest level of protection based on their individual circumstances.

Influenza vaccinations