This year, both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines are available and it is important that people speak to their vaccination provider to manage the timing of both vaccines.

It is recommended that the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine should be administered at least 14 days apart.

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said it is important that residents don’t get complacent when it comes to getting vaccinated against the flu each year.

“During much of the flu season last year, we were all protecting ourselves against COVID-19 by staying home, socially distancing where possible, and practising increased hygiene and handwashing,” Ms Whyte said.

“These behaviours helped to stop the spread of not only COVID-19, but also flu viruses in the community, with an 88.8 per cent decrease in lab confirmed influenza cases in the NQPHN region in 2020, compared with the previous year.

“This flu season, social distancing restrictions are being relaxed, which may allow flu viruses to recirculate, even if they were hardly seen in 2020.

“Flu is a highly contagious viral infection and vaccination is our best protection against it, so it’s important to not lose sight of making sure we all get our flu jab each year.

“Residents should contact their immunisation provider to make a booking to get their vaccination.”

The 2021 flu vaccine is available from GPs, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, pharmacies, and other immunisation providers in North Queensland.

Under the National Immunisation Program, free flu vaccines are provided to groups who are at higher risk of complications from flu such as children aged six months to less than five years, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over, people with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of severe influenza and its complications, pregnant women, and people aged 65 years and over.

Sydney Street Medical General Practitioner Dr Shuren Taylor said that it’s important for people to get their flu jab each year, but this year the timing of their vaccination needs to be managed alongside the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

“Influenza viruses can evolve and mutate, allowing new strains to emerge each year, against which people may not have immunity,” said Dr Taylor.

“This is why it is so important that people get their flu shot every year.

“Getting vaccinated against the flu not only prevents themselves from getting ill, but also helps to limit the spread of the virus to others and protects vulnerable people who cannot get vaccinated, such as infants and people with weakened immune systems.

“Receiving the vaccine from April allows protection from the flu to develop well ahead of the peak transmission period, which usually falls around July and August.

“When you book in for your flu vaccination, remember to tell your vaccination provider or clinic if you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and when you received it.

“This will help them to plan your appointment, as the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine should be administered at least 14 days apart.

“Both the flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are circulating this year, and even though they can have similar symptoms, it’s important to be vaccinated against both viruses.

“Remember to always stay at home if you have any symptoms at all and get tested.”

To locate a vaccination provider in your area you can search the National Health Services Directory.

Residents can also use the COVID-19 Eligibility Checker to find out if they are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

International Nurses Day commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

This year’s theme, ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead’, focuses on the changes to and innovations in nursing, especially in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and how this will ultimately shape the future of healthcare.

Natalie Hardy, a nurse at Upper Ross Medical Centre in Townsville, is a local example of how nurses are evolving and innovating to improve a patient’s health journey.

Natalie is currently helping to lead the way in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 through her vaccination and education work at the practice’s GP Respiratory Clinic.

“Through the pandemic, I’ve seen my role evolve to much more of a focus on education,” she said.

“People seem to be more at ease when I answer their questions about the COVID vaccine, and what they need know before I administer the vaccine.

“I enjoy the part of my job that is educating people around the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine and how we’re protecting each other as a community.

“Nurses have also had to adapt to the increasing use of telehealth that gives us greater flexibility in how we are able to continue to provide patients with the health care they need.”

Natalie said she had always had a passion for nursing from a very young age.

“My mum says that from about the time I was four, she always knew I was going to end up being a nurse,” Natalie said.

“I would see the nurses pull up across the road to check on elderly patients, and I would run out of my house to go and help.

“My biggest reason for being a nurse is the ongoing relationships I get to have with the patients, for example with their care plans and immunisations.

“I’ve always enjoyed being part of their whole-of-life health journey, and I’m doing what I truly love.” 

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said nurses, as the healthcare profession with the largest number of members, play an integral part in health care for the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Nurses are at the frontline of detecting, managing, and preventing the spread of this virus, as well as playing a key role in education across the spectrum of preventative health,” she said.

“I wish all nurses the very best on International Nurses Day, a day to reflect on the significant and crucial part they play in improving our health.”

For more information on International Nurses Day, visit www.icnvoicetolead.com