In the interest of staff and student wellness over the winter months, Murdoch University Health: Medical has good availability of the 2016 influenza vaccine. Dont delay book in for your flu vaccine today. Appointments can be made via the phone 9360-2293, online http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Medical/Making-an-appointment/Online-booking/ or in person, building 418, tavern undercroft.

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that is responsible for major outbreaks of respiratory illness around the world, usually in the winter months. Unlike the common cold, influenza can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis, which often require hospitalisation.

Murdoch University Health: Medical Service, are offering the quadrivalent influenza vaccine as recommended by The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation(ATAGI). The quadrivalent influenza vaccine contains an additional strain to last year’s vaccine to give better protection against the disease.

The influenza virus strains included in the 2016 seasonal influenza vaccines are:

• A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus – unchanged from 2015
• A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus – changed from 2015
• B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus, Victoria lineage – changed from 2015 in TIV only (this strain was included in QIV formulations in 2015 and 2016)
• (QIV only) B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus, Yamagata lineage – unchanged from 2015

How much does it cost?

This year’s influenza vaccine cost is $25.00. If you are a student or staff member with either Medicare, Alliance or NIB insurance your consultation fee with our Doctors will be direct billed with no gap fee for flu vaccine consults only.

Would I be entitled to a free flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is available free under the National Immunisation Program for people who face a high risk from influenza and its complications. These are:

• People aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait people aged six months to less than five years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are aged 15 years and over
• Pregnant women
• People aged six months and over with medical conditions such as severe asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes that can lead to complications from influenza.

Immunisation is recommended in early autumn to allow time for immunity to be strengthened before the flu season starts. Don't delay book your flu vaccine appointment today.

You will be asked to complete a pre immunisation questionnaire, these can also be found on MU Health: Medical's webpage.  http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Medical/  participants will also be asked to remain in the clinic for 10 mins post vaccination.