 |
The
annual flu vaccine is not something that most young healthy adults have bothered
about.
But with the 2006 flu season fast approaching and the release of
the seasonal vaccine, Defence Health Services are undertaking a marketing campaign
to encourage the uptake of the voluntary vaccination.
The current ADF policy
regarding vaccination against epidemic influenza which occurs each winter, is
that the vaccination is to be voluntary. Influenza vaccination is only a requirement
when specified as part of a health support plan, and this is the case for current
deployments to the Middle East Area of Operations.
However, it is now
important that as many people as possible get this vaccination and CN, VADM Russ
Shalders AO, CSC, RAN, is keen to encourage members to vaccinate themselves. The
influenza that strikes each winter is not the dreaded pandemic that may kill millions
around the world, but it is still an unpleasant illness that will cause disruption
to both your work and personal life.
There are a number of reasons for
this campaign:
Defence facilities, by their nature, can be susceptible
to outbreaks of influenza. This is particularly so in training establishments
where there is extended close contact in large groups.
The loss of productivity
and capability during an influenza epidemic can be significant. In 2005 for example,
there were outbreaks at Kapooka and Laverack which led to significant downtimes
and disruptions to training. A “routine” episode of influenza will result
in the absence of a member for at least a week, and reduced physical capacity
for several more weeks.
Defence facilities can potentially act as a
source for disease progressing into the wider community. Several state health
departments have expressed concern about the vulnerability of some high risk groups,
such as the elderly and immune-compromised, who may live near military establishments.
A reduction in the circulation of influenza strains in the community
reduces the risk of mixing of viruses, thus reducing the risk of the shift in
genetic makeup, the basis of influenza pandemics.
Often people struggle in
to work even when unwell. By that time they may be been spreading the virus for
days without even realising it.
Influenza spreads mainly through airborne
droplets from a cough or sneeze. Once breathed in, it may take up to four days
for the virus to multiply to a level that causes you to start feeling unwell.
It is difficult to stop influenza spreading, but vaccination is one effective
thing you can do to prevent the infection.
Remember: vaccination won’t
work immediately. It takes about two weeks for protective antibodies to build
up to effective levels, so think about vaccination before a flu outbreak begins.
What the vaccine CANNOT do
Cannot prevent all coughs,
colds and viral infections. However, preventing flu will reduce infections in
the nose and throat, which often follow flu.
Cannot provide instant immunity.
The vaccine takes about two weeks to start working. People who catch the flu in
that fortnight tend to mistakenly blame the vaccine for causing flu.
Cannot cause influenza. There is no live virus in the vaccine, so it cannot cause
influenza. Some people will get local redness and discomfort around the injection
site and occasionally a short-lived fever.
What the vaccine CAN do
Can give you the best chance of not catching the flu. No vaccine is 100 per cent
effective. Typically, flu vaccines prevent influenza in 70-80 per cent of those
vaccinated.
Can stop you passing flu on to someone at high medical risk.
The vaccine doesn’t guarantee 100 per cent protection for those at high risk
who have been vaccinated. It is important to minimise their exposure to flu virus
carried by other people.
Can provide some protection against related
strains of the flu. New strains of influenza are constantly appearing. Because
each new one is a mutation of an old one, flu vaccines often provide some level
of protection against the new strains.
Can reduce the potential risk
of lost earnings, missed social events, and disruption to education and sporting
or professional careers.
This year, why not weigh up the pros and cons
of vaccination and then decide whether you can afford to risk getting the flu.
If not - get a shot.
