TIMING is important when it comes to protecting yourself from influenza, according to pharmacist Krysti-Lee Rigby.
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Ms Rigby, the pharmacist in charge at Moodies and vice president of the NSW Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, says those who vaccinate too early might reduce its effectiveness.
"The flu vaccine is most effective for four to six months post-vaccination," she said. "If you are getting the flu vaccination too early, it may not actually cover you for the peak flu season."
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Based on the past few years, the peak season for influenza in Australia is between July and August, Ms Rigby said.
"We recommend to get the flu vaccination in April, so that way it's covering the patients for the peak flu season," she said.
"But of course, if someone is travelling overseas or they work in a high risk environment, they might need to get the flu vaccine earlier or later, so it's important to either chat with your pharmacist or GP about the individual timing."
People often get the vaccination when they think of it, she said.
"And because we're getting towards the end of March now, if someone did come in and they're ready to get the flu vaccination, we would have that conversation with them and decide whether or not it is suitable to get that flu vaccination then and there or for them to wait a little bit longer."
Ms Rigby said not everyone was aware that the flu vaccination is only effective for four to six months.
"I think a lot of people think it lasts for 12 months because we recommend annual flu vaccinations."
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An enhanced trivalent vaccine is recommended for those 65 years and over and is available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), which provides free vaccines to eligible people.
In NSW, only GPs are able to provide the free NIP.
"For the rest of the patients, there's a quadrivalent vaccine. That's recommended for those aged six months of age to 65," Ms Rigby said.
There has also been a change to the NIP this year, Ms Rigby said.
"For the first time, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are able to get the influenza vaccine for free from six months of age," she said.
"Previously, it was only for adults and for children under five.
"But they've now extended it for everyone over six months."
Pharmacists, since January 1, 2019, are now able to vaccinate for influenza for those aged 16 years and over.
"In previous years, it was 18 years and above," Ms Rigby said. "But this year, they've lowered the age in NSW to 16.
"And that is available without a prescription."
