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Flu Vaccinations
27 April 2022
Influenza is most prevalent in Australia between April and October each year, and is a highly contagious respiratory illness that typically presents with any or all of the below symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Body aches and pains
- Chest discomfort / cough
- Exhaustion, fatigue and/or weakness
- Fever
Why get the 2022 Flu Vaccine?
Every year getting the flu vaccine is important. However, this flu season it’ll be even more important to remain hygiene vigilant and get vaccinated, due to open borders and the complications of contracting COVID-19 and the flu. Vaccinating against this season’s influenza will help reduce the risk of contracting a double-up of both influenza and COVID-19 – both of which affect the respiratory system.
An annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all Australians aged 6 months and older as the vaccine changes from year to year to account for new strains. The Australian Influenzas Vaccine Committee (AVIC) has recommended the following viruses be included for the 2022 southern hemisphere influenza season, with the inclusion of two new virus strains (1):
Egg-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines:
- an A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Austria/1359417/2021-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus; and
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus.
Cell- or recombinant-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines:
- an A/Wisconsin/588/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Darwin/6/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus; and
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.
Is it safe?
Yes – all vaccines in Australia are registered with the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) and have to meet certain standards before being approved as safe and effective by the TGA.
What is the cost of getting the 2022 Flu Vaccine?
According to the Australian Government Department of Health, the following individuals are at most risk of complications from influenza, and are subsequently eligible to receive a free annual vaccine under the annual National Immunisation Program (2):
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- People aged 6 months or over who have a medical condition that means they have a higher risk of getting serious disease (e.g. those with heart disease, lung disease and/or respiratory complications, diabetes etc.)
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- People aged 65 years and over.
For all other patients, there is a $20 charge for the vaccine, however with a valid Medicare card, the consultation fee is bulk billed, when booked as a flu vaccination appointment or through our flu clinic.
To book a flu vaccination for yourself and your family please contact our reception team on 07 3286 6899 or book an appointment online. And if you’re a local business looking for a corporate flu vaccination program, please contact our Practice Manager by calling reception or emailing pm@clevelandmedical.com.au so the individual needs of your organisation can be discussed and quoted.
(1)
Australian Government Department of Health – Therapeutic Goods Administration 2021. AIVC recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccine for Australia in 2022.
(2) Australian Government Department of Health 2022. Influenza (flu) immunisation service.
This September, we're celebrating Women's Health Week from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th, at Cleveland Medical. The theme this year is Your Health Your Choice, with a focus on having conversations about hormonal changes, nutrition, overcoming shame and stigma, and parenting challenges. As part of the week, the team at Jean Hailes for Women's Health have put together this great little resource for all women to remember what health checks are needed and how frequently. You can get a copy of the resource for yourself by visiting: Health checks for women poster | Jean Hailes
Caring for Seniors At Cleveland Medical we appreciate older aged patients are often more likely to suffer from a range of health conditions or concerns than younger patients. Whilst when we think of ageing, we all expect wrinkles and grey hair to present, but sometimes did you know ageing will also affect your entire cardiovascular system; your bones, joints and muscles; as well as your bladder, memory, eyes, ears and teeth to name just a few? The caring Doctors at Cleveland Medical are experienced to help you with any concerns you might have, as your health changes. With dignity and respect, they can work with you address current health concerns, whilst also collaborating to help prevent or delay the onset of other conditions you might be at risk of developing (like diabetes, heart disease, dementia etc.). At Cleveland Medical we bulk bill the 75 years and older health assessment. If you’re 75 years and older, we can also offer you an annual Health Assessment to help monitor your health and wellbeing. These assessments can assist your GP in identifying anything of concern with things like blood pressure, memory, fall-risks, depression, sleep and maintaining a healthy weight. All this information can ensure your GP can pro-actively attend to any issues before they worsen and potentially even avoid a hospital admission in the future. What does the 75+ Health Assessment include: · Information Collection – patient history and arranging any tests / examinations required · Overall Assessment · Providing recommendations for interventions or improvements for better health · Keeping a record of the assessment and sharing with any authorised parties (e.g. carer, other specialists, allied health providers etc.). Let Cleveland Medical coordinate your care across a team of skilled professionals. Similarly, older patients often have more complex medications or prescriptions; referrals to specialists; and might even be on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan to support their care. The GPs at Cleveland Medical work closely with a host of local pharmacists, medical specialists and allied health professionals (physiotherapists, psychologists, audiologists, dietitians, podiatrists etc.). Early intervention and regular health checks can help you enjoy a healthier life for longer. If you’re interested in speaking with one of our GPs or you’re interested in having a Health Assessment (and are 75 years and older), make an appointment online or by phoning reception during clinic hours.
Cleveland Medical and i-scribe i-scribe is revolutionizing patient documentation and record-taking. It is an automatic transcription service Specialist Doctors use to capture the consultation and transcribe medical notes. i-scribe does not store any audio files. How secure is it? i-scribe has the same level of encryption as Hospitals and other Electronic Medical Record Software that is used in this clinic. Should you prefer not to use this technology, kindly let us know and we will accommodate your preference.
Better Consult helps start mental health conversations! Research around the world highlights their remains a reluctance from males to talk about their mental health, despite efforts to destigmatise. In fact, the World Health Organisation, states that across the globe, males die by suicide at a rate twice that of females. 1 It’s believed, the reason so many males still don’t talk about mental health comes back to old ideas about gender, with concepts of “Man Up”, “Be Tough”, and “All Good Mate”. Yet, as the world continues to move at a rapid pace with communication platforms now embedded in every phase of our lives, life over the last few decades (for men and women) has increasingly changed. Dr Naveen, here at Cleveland Medical, acknowledges that patients can find it difficult to talk about their mental health. Dr Naveen is a successful doctor and father of two teenage children. “I try to keep in mind what I teach my patients—that mental health, especially men's mental health—and that talking about my own emotions and challenges is beneficial. It's common to have days that are harder than others, and occasionally we need assistance because the issues we confront are too big for us to handle alone.” This year at Cleveland Medical, we've introduced the new pre-consultation tool of BetterConsult. This unique tool, allows all patients to share information with their doctor prior to their appointment, meaning patients can note for their Doctor anything they would like to address / talk about without having to physically say it face to face to their GP. We’re finding that for things like mental health (along with other health topics people sometimes find challenging to speak out), this tool is helping these valuable conversations take place. If you’re in need of support or want to access helpful resources on mental health, you can also access the following services: Lifeline – 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – www.beyondblue.org.au Black Dog Institute – www.blackdoginstitute.org.au 1. World Health Organisation Article - One in 100 deaths is by suicide (who.int)
Healthy Habits App The Healthy Habits Resource Hub is a one-stop shop for information, programs, guidelines and training opportunities on physical activity, nutrition and other factors that impact these behaviours such as sleep, mental wellbeing, alcohol consumption, and chronic conditions. Download the FREE App https://healthyhabits.racgp.org.au/phone-app/ tthttps://healthyhabits.racgp.org.au/phone-ap/ps://healthyhabits.racgp.org.au/phone-app/
Doctors at our practice now use BetterConsult, a pre-consultation questionnaire completed by patients that gives your doctor an understanding of the reason for your visit. How does BetterConsult benefit you? - Spend more time talking about treatment - Focus on discussing treatment options instead of going over symptoms. Never forget what you want to cover with your GP - Take your time documenting each health concern before your appointment. Answer questions about your health, in private - Consider your symptoms and medications, in privacy. Rely on the security of your medical data - Document your information securely so that it is only seen by your Doctor.
Why You Need That Annual Health Check Start 2023 the best way you can for your health, by making your annual health check appointment with one of the Doctors here at Cleveland Medical. Having regular health checks with your GP can help identify any early signs of health issues or concerns. And finding these problems early improves the chances of effectively treating any concerns or implementing strategies to minimise onset. That’s why, no matter your age, family history, existing medical conditions and/or lifestyle choices it’s a good idea to visit your GP regularly to: · Monitor current or emerging medical concerns · Check your risk of future medical conditions · Prompt you to maintain a healthy lifestyle and support positive lifestyle choices · Stay on-top of vaccinations, medications and referrals you may need At Cleveland Medical the doctors and allied health professionals are here to support you. Making the effort to have an annual health check can also provide you a chance to assess your own health (emotional, physical and mental), habits and lifestyle to make positive change and improvements that will support you and your family. Please note, allied health services available at Cleveland Medical include: · Physiotherapy · Dietician
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Global travel is back. Before setting sail for that trip of a lifetime, travelers must consider how to protect their health. While COVID-19 has overrun our headlines and headspace for the last two years, there is more to consider when travelling abroad. Routine vaccinations, travel vaccinations, medications and current health and wellbeing have slipped into the background as we focus on regulations around masks, COVID-19 vaccinations, and social distancing. Visiting your doctor before your trip can make sure you stay healthy while experiencing new environments. All explorers should visit their GP at least 6 weeks before travelling. Before you trade beautiful Australia for an overseas destination, your doctor will go through three key things: 1. Health check 2. Travel vaccinations 3. Destination health advice Health Check A health check makes sure you and your family are fit to travel, you have enough of your medications for your trip, and your standard vaccinations are up to date. Travel Vaccinations As each destination has its own charm, it also has its own challenges. Whether you’re travelling through rural or urban locations in developed or developing countries, your itinerary will influence how you manage your health. Your doctor will recommend vaccinations based on the location of your trip and the activities you have planned, your vaccination history and health check. As a general guide, travel to developed countries requires an update on influenza, measles, and whooping cough. Travel to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Pacific may require additional vaccinations, the most common being Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Without these vaccinations, travelers are at higher risk and may have trouble entering their destination country or re-entering Australia. It is recommended that travelers come in at least 6 weeks in advance to ensure they are fully protected by the time they are abroad. Some vaccines require several doses spread over several weeks while others take a few weeks to become effective. Destination health advice You need health advice tailored to your adventure. Your doctor can provide you with destination specific advice. They will discuss likelihood and risk mitigation of food and water contamination, mosquito exposure, dangerous wildlife interactions, and unhealthy sun exposure, as well as how the destination and planned activities may influence existing medical conditions. For the best advice, bring your travel itinerary with your planned adventures. You should also check for current information on safety, local laws, travel requirements, health concerns and local contacts specific to your destination. Book in today Make sure you put a visit with your GP at Cleveland Medical on your to-do list before your next trip. We are trained in travel medicine, so chat with us before you head off on your Euro trip, Asian adventure or Tanzanian safari experience. Plan your health so you can travel more and worry less!