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Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a preventative measure against catching a disease. People aged 65 years and older are generally at high risk from influenza and pneumococcal disease and the complications of these diseases, with the great majority of deaths from these conditions occurring in this group. In response to this, the Australian Government provides free annual vaccine for older Australians in order to provide greater protection against these diseases
Useful information on immunisation cause found in the Australian Immunisation Handbook, which is developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Influenza – the flu
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an illness caused by a virus. The virus is passed from person to person by a simple sneeze or cough. Influenza can lead to illnesses which are more severe than those caused by other respiratory viruses, such as the common cold. Typical symptoms of influenza include fever/chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, runny noses and watery eyes. Symptoms in older people may also include loss of appetite, onset or increase of confusion, shortness of breath, and increasing Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease (more information) symptoms.
It is recommended that all residents in long term health care, people who visit them and health care staff receive the annual influenza vaccine to minimise the risk of infection to themselves and others.
Read more: Influenza
Pneumococcus
The pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacterium that is passed from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It can lead to meningitis (inflammation around the brain), pneumonia and blood poisoning and less severe middle ear infections. Some people, especially those aged over 65 years and those with certain chronic medical conditions, can suffer serious complications or die from pneumococcal disease.
The pneumococcal vaccine is a very important way to help prevent you catching pneumococcal disease. When you get your next flu shot, you should also receive pneumococcal vaccine. In contrast to flu vaccine which you should get annually, you only require two doses of pneumococcal vaccine, five years apart. As for flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine will be available from your medical practitioner.
Pneumococcal vaccine is provided at reduced cost under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for Australians aged 65 years and older. For more information, visit the Immunisation website.
