Get your flu vaccination!

Flu season is almost upon us and there is nothing worse than missing heaps of important classes and pracs because you are sick with the flu.  For only $20 you can get a flu vaccination right on your own campus.

Please ensure you read the Frequently asked Questions regarding Influenza and Vaccination document prior to showing up for a flu vaccination. 

Side Effects of Vaccinations

Most vaccines cause minor side adverse events such as low grade fever, muscle aches and headaches, or pain and redness at the injection site. In most people these will only last for a short period of 1 to 2 days. Very rarely, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that may result in unconsciousness and death if not treated quickly) can occur. It is for this reason that Vaccinations Onsite requests that all recipients of Influenza vaccination remain in the vicinity of the Immuniser for 15 minutes after their vaccination so that this rare adverse event can be managed effectively.
There have been reports overseas, but not in Australia, of a possible very rare association (1â€￾2 cases per million people vaccinated) between influenza vaccinations and a condition called Guillainâ€￾Barre` syndrome (GBS), a nervous system disorder which may cause paralysis. The association with this vaccine is not proven.
Contraindications
People who have experienced the following should not receive an influenza vaccine:

• Anaphylaxis following a previous dose of any influenza vaccine
• Anaphylaxis following any vaccine component
• Severe allergy to eggs

Things to remember on the day of your vaccination

1. Wear suitable loose fitting attire allowing easy access to the upper arm/shoulder area. This will ensure that the immunisers have easy access to the upper region of the arm without your privacy being compromised. This will also assist in not delaying other participants.
2. This flu vaccination program is primarily a staff program so staff will have priority with regard to getting the flu vaccination.  This means that you could wait a long time and it is possible that you will not be able to get the vaccination at all if time has run out for the session.  The administrators of this program will do their best to accommodate as many people as possible and minimise waiting times.  For this reason it is best if you come during the last half of the session as it will not be as busy and you will probably not have to wait as long.
3. You must complete a questionnaire and sign a consent form before you pay for and receive your flu vaccination.
4. Bring $20 cash at the time of  your vaccination (no cards, cheques or other methods of payment will be accepted and no change will be available â€" you must have exact cash). 
5. After your flu vaccination, you must stay within the vicinity of the health professional for 15 minutes as outlined on your consent form.

Kerryn Lajoie will be coordinating this Influenza Vaccination program for Victoria University. If you have any further queries please contact Kerryn on 0401644888 or [email protected].