Influenza season and paramedic immunisers

The QAS Infection Prevention team has almost wrapped up another year of Queensland Ambulance Service’s Influenza vaccination program.

This is the third year running where the QAS have used paramedic immunisers to deliver the influenza vaccination across most regions.

Under an Extended Practice Authority (EPA) by the Director General, QAS paramedics who had successfully completed an appropriate level of training were permitted to administer the influenza vaccination. This year the QAS received 325 expressions of interest for the positions.

Queensland’s typical flu season usually occurs between June and September. Vaccination allows another barrier of transmission alongside basic infection prevention practices.

COVID-19 has taught the greater community including health practitioners the importance of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

According to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), there has been less circulation of the seasonal influenza virus compared with previous years because of public health measures put in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Australia’s borders now open and many restrictions either lifted to reduced, it is expected there will be a resurgence of seasonal influenza cases this year.

The seasonal influenza vaccine will not only help protect our workforce, it will also lessen the chance of our passing on any illness to our family, friends, colleagues and vulnerable members of society.

As we’ve experienced over the past two years, it can take an enormous amount of effort and sacrifice to keep people safe when there is limited immunity to diseases within the community.

The seasonal influenza vaccine has been accessible during scheduled vaccination times from QAS Paramedic immunisers, otherwise, they are still available through participating pharmacies, or from your General Practitioner.

How can I reduce my chances of getting sick?

Decreasing modes of viral transmission:

• Washing hands

• Staying home when sick

• Respiratory etiquette (dispose of tissues, wear a mask if unwell, cover your cough)

• Stay at home when unwell

Decreasing susceptibility of viral transmission:

• Get vaccinated

• Support your immune system with plenty of rest, hydration, and a nutritious diet

Alicia Macbeth takes some time out of her normal work at Geebung’s Emergency Management Unit to administer a flu vaccination to Simon Dunn and other staff at the Kedron Park HQ.