Influenza Vaccinations Consent Form

What Is Influenza?

Most people when they get a "runny nose or a sore throat" say they have the "flu" but this is usually not the case. They usually have a common cold which tends to be a short term mild illness which, though inconvenient, rarely causes significant debility. These infections are caused by a large number of viruses but generally not the influenza virus. In contrast influenza is a viral infection which can cause illness of varying severity characterised by abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, joint aches, headache, sore throat, cough and malaise. The sufferer is often confined to bed being too unwell to get up. It can last up to a couple of weeks and can be complicated by a number of conditions including pneumonia and in people at risk can cause death.

In most years minor outbreaks occur but every decade or so there is a major epidemic in which a quarter or more of the population may be affected over a short period of time. The peak time for "flu" is in the winter months. The administration of influenza vaccine is the single most important measure in preventing or limiting influenza epidemics.

Who Is Particularly At Risk? [1]

• All individuals who wish to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza.
• All individuals 65 years and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults 50 years and older
• Adults with chronic debilitating diseases (especially those with chronic cardiac, pulmonary, renal and metabolic disorders).
• Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease
• Adults and children receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
• Staff and others who care for immunocompromised patients
• Staff of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities (in an attempt to protect the patients)
• Women likely to be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy should be vaccinated in advance.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

All those listed above should be immunised annually.

Though the immunisation of healthy individuals is not normally recommended it is the only method available to people trying to avoid the "flu". Please note "flu" vaccines do not protect against all strains of "flu". New Australian immunisation recommendations currently in development states that influenza vaccine should be administered to any person who wishes to reduce the likelihood of being ill with influenza.

Who Should NOT Be Given The Influenza Vaccine? [2]

• anyone with known allergy to gentamicin or any other excipient of the vaccine - thiomersal, polysorbate 80, octoxinol 9 and traces of formaldehyde.
• anyone with allergy to eggs (this includes individuals who on ingestion of eggs develop swelling of the tongue, lips or experience acute respiratory distress or collapse)
• anyone with an acute febrile illness ("fever")
• Please read the Consumer Medicine Information.

Can I Get The "Flu" From Vaccination?

The answer is no. The vaccine contains only inactivated virus particles. Occasionally people develop a slight fever within a day or two of the vaccination. If you do develop a runny nose or sore throat this may be due to another viral infection. The influenza vaccine will not protect you against these minor infections.

But I Had An Influenza Vaccine Last Year?

The influenza vaccine needs to be repeated each year as the influenza virus has the ability to change. As such each year the vaccine is formulated to combat the three influenza virus strains that are expected to be a problem in that particular year.

Download the influenza vaccination consent form, print and complete. (PDF 4kb) (Word 20kb)

[1] National Health and Medical Research Council. The Australian Immunisation Handbook, 7th Edition, 2000

[2] Fluarix Consumer Medicine Information