1. 2019 Influenza vaccination for Health Care Workers
Information and general advice session
Ananda Aged Care - April 2019
*No individual advice can be given at this session:
For individual advice and/or to provide a medical certificate to opt out of free
Workplace vaccination speak to your G.P. or health professional

2. What is influenza (‘the flu”)
A contagious illness of the respiratory tract, caused by infection with influenza viruses
Spread by aerosol (sneezing, coughing, talking) or touching infected surfaces
Virus can survive in the air for 1-2 hours, and on hard surfaces for 8-24 hours
Usually more severe, and lasts longer than other viral respiratory illnesses

4. Common symptoms of the flu
Influenza
Cold
Fever
 
Headache
Extreme fatigue
Aches and pains/muscle pain 
Tiredness and weakness
Cough/chest discomfort
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Sore throat

5. People with influenza can be infectious to others for days before symptoms start & about a week after
Children may shed for longer than 7 days and effectively spread the virus (“super spreaders”)
Vaccination helps protect individuals from
Spreading the flu and reduces transmission to vulnerable people such as infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals

7. The flu in ‘normal’ years causes…
2,500 – 3,500 DEATHS
18,000 hospitalisations
350,000 GP visits
Most not confirmed as not tested
People at increased risk of complications are more
likely to be hospitalised or die from influenza

8. Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended, provided under the
Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP) and should be actively promoted for
Older adults aged 65 years and above
Pregnant women
Helps protect the woman, her unborn child, and the infant from 0-6 months of age
People  6 months of age with medical conditions placing them at risk of serious complications of influenza

9. Our role in preventing ‘flu outbreaks
HCWs can transmit the influenza virus to patients in their care, many of whom are at risk of developing influenza complications
Even with mild or atypical influenza symptoms, HCWs can shed the virus and infect others
HCWs may also continue to work when feeling ill X
Annual immunisation of healthcare workers helps prevent influenza infection & and minimises exposure of vulnerable residents

10. Resident focused care = above all do no harm

11. Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for anyone ≥ 6 months of age who wants to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting influenza.
(W.H.O. & ATAGI)

12. Flu is here all the time, but….
In temperate areas flu has a different peak but in SA it is usually Agust/September & April/May the best time to vaccinate
In 2017 rates were highest since 2009 – a pandemic year
Most deaths are in people aged >75

13. What people with flu may look like…

14. Types of flu
There are three types of influenza viruses; A, B and C
Influenza A and B cause most disease in humans
Iinfluenza viruses are divided into sub-types, based on two proteins found on the virus surface
Haemagglutinin & Neuraminidase
Influenza B viruses are divided into two lineages Victoria & Yamagata
Quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs) contain both sub-types of influenza A virus and both lineages of influenza B virus

15. In Australia, the proportion of disease due to:
It is difficult to predict which types of influenza virus will be most prevalent each season
In Australia, the proportion of disease due to:
Influenza A versus influenza B viruses and B- Yamagata versus B-Victoria lineages varies from year to year

16. Trivalent influenza vaccines (TIVs) contain
Types of flu vaccine
Quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs) contain two influenza A virus sub-types + two (both) influenza B virus lineages – for under 65s
Trivalent influenza vaccines (TIVs) contain
two influenza A virus sub-types one of the two influenza B virus lineages – fo over 65s

17. Who should NOT have the flu vaccine?
Postpone with acute severe febrile illness
Use caution in people with coagulation disorders, as bleeding can occur
People with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
If a documented previous anaphylactic reaction (difficulty breathing, hospitalisation etc) to the flu vaccine, or any of its ingredients
If no previous severe reaction but concerned (eg ? an egg allergy)– go to GP and have it there or get a medical certificate/note stating not advisable to have it

18. Common reactions to the ‘flu vaccine
Adults
Children 3-17 yrs
Fatigue
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Injection site pain
Injection site redness
Injection site swelling
Irritability

19. Take home messages
Influenza is a highly contagious disease which can cause hospitalization and even death – especially in vulnerable groups like children and aged people
This may be a very bad flu year
The flu vaccine is the best protection you can have – so have it!
It is generally safe and there are few and minor side effects
Those who should not have the vaccine are rare – they should get a certificate from their GP and not have the vaccine
Those with concerns about the vaccine should speak to their GP and have the vaccine at their GP surgery if needed
Ananda has a duty of care to staff and residents and maximal uptake of flu vaccine is the ONLY way we can ensure residents are safe