The spread of the Covid-19 virus is approaching its zenith and the spectre of the influenza season is upon us.
For this month’s article, I will answer some frequently asked questions about the flu and Covid-19 vaccines (current at April 2022).
Rules around vaccinations do change frequently so it is always best to check with your local pharmacist, medical practitioner or state health.
Who is eligible for the additional Covid-19 booster?
Currently, the people eligible for the additional booster are people aged 65 years or older; residents of aged care or disability care facilities; people aged 16 years or older who are severely immunocompromised; and, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older.
Who is eligible for the 2022 flu vaccines through the National Immunisation Program?
Children from the age of 6 months to 5 years of age; adults 65 years and over; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over; pregnant women; and, people aged 6 months and over with medical conditions which increase the risk of complications.
When should I get the flu vaccine?
Ideally, vaccination with the flu vaccine should occur before the onset of the influenza season. In Tasmania it is recommended to have the flu vaccine from mid-April.
Can I have the flu vaccine and the Covid-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes, you can have both vaccines administered on the same day which has been shown to be safe and produces a good immune response.
When can I have the Covid-19 vaccine after a Covid-19 infection?
People should wait until they have recovered from the acute illness of Covid-19 before receiving a Covid-19 vaccine.
Where can I get my flu and Covid-19 vaccines?
Flu and Covid-19 vaccines are available through some medical centres, local council and state health immunisation clinics and pharmacies. Immunisation pharmacists can administer flu vaccines to people aged 10 years and some phar- macists have been approved to administer the Covid-19 vaccine to children aged 5 years and above.