World Immunisation Week, held from 24 to 30 April, is a timely reminder that vaccines are not just for children. In Australia, the annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. This makes April a practical time to review what vaccinations you may need before winter.
Many adults are unsure which vaccines apply to them, whether a flu shot is needed every year, or whether travel vaccines only matter for more unusual destinations. Here are five common myths worth clearing up!
1. I don’t need a flu vaccination every year.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings around the flu vaccination.
The influenza virus changes from year to year, and the vaccine is updated to protect against the current virus. Protection also reduces over time, which is why an annual flu vaccination is recommended each year, even for healthy adults. Getting vaccinated before winter gives your body time to build immunity ahead of the flu season.
You can learn more about flu vaccinations Yarra Medical.
2. I’m healthy, so vaccines aren’t a priority.
Vaccinations can be helpful for most people, not just those who are high-risk or unwell.
Even healthy adults can catch infections, spread them to others, or miss vaccines that are relevant to their age, work, lifestyle, or travel plans. Vaccine advice can change across different stages of life, which is why speaking with your GP about vaccination requirements is encouraged.
3. Travel vaccinations only matter for remote destinations.
Travel vaccinations are not just for remote or unusual destinations.
Travel vaccine advice can still be relevant for common holiday destinations, business travel, or visiting friends and family overseas. What is recommended can depend on your destination, planned activities, health background, and risk of exposure.
If you are planning a trip, Yarra Medical’s Travel Clinic offers pre-travel medical advice and travel vaccinations.
4. Vaccines can make you sick.
Vaccines are designed to help your immune system recognise and respond to an infection without causing the disease they protect against.
Some people do notice mild side effects afterwards, such as a sore arm, tiredness, or feeling lethargic for a couple days. That can be uncomfortable, but it is not the same as the vaccine giving you the illness itself.
5. Once I’m vaccinated, I’m covered for life.
Some vaccines provide long-lasting protection, but not all vaccines work in the same way or last for the same amount of time.
Depending on your age, health, travel plans, and vaccine history, you may need boosters, catch-up vaccines, or an updated review. Checking in with a GP, rather than assuming everything was covered years ago, can be beneficial.
Why is April a good time to review your vaccines?
World Immunisation Week shines a light on the role vaccines play in protecting people of all ages, and it arrives at a useful time in Australia. With flu vaccinations available ahead of winter, April is a sensible time in the year to review what you may need.
If you are based in Abbotsford, Collingwood, Richmond or the Melbourne CBD, Yarra Medical offers flu vaccinations, travel vaccinations, and personalised immunisation advice. If you are not sure what may be relevant for you, booking a quick review with a GP can help clarify the next step.
