Winter is coming. But the flu is already here.
Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director, Public Health and Infection Prevention, says that the flu season started early this year.
“We saw an early start in the season. And now it’s increasing again. We’re seeing both Flu A and Flu B in that mix.
“We’ve also seen some severe illnesses in some of our employees.”
Rhonda also highlights that co-circulation of Influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently occurring.
“We’ve seen increased admissions for both Influenza and RSV.
“The two that we can protect ourselves against are COVID-19 and Influenza.
“Making sure your vaccinations for both are up to date is an easy way of helping protect yourself and our community.”
At Monash Health we expect all employees to receive their annual Influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccination is an easy and safe way of protecting ourselves, our patients and our colleagues.
We recommend you have your Influenza vaccination as soon as you are able. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop after being vaccinated. The highest protection against influenza occurs in the first 3-4 months after your vaccination.
There are less than two more weeks of the free flu vaccination blitz campaign and we urge all employees to make the most of the convenient times and locations for this next fortnight listed here. After this, you will need to visit your local Infection Prevention Office to receive your Influenza vaccination at the limited times listed
Rhonda also reminded employees that if they have received their vaccination somewhere else or are not participating they must complete the online declaration form here.
“You can go to community pharmacies, your GP; there are many places you can get the vaccine. If you do [get the Influenza vaccine outside of Monash Health], please tell us if you’ve been vaccinated. We want to know that you’re vaccinated and protected.”
Please note that the cost of flu vaccination outside of our employee program will not be covered by Monash Health.
For employees who want to receive their COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination at the same time, you can visit Monash Immunisation at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton at the times listed here.
Managers and leaders, please take a moment to review the Flu Vaccination – BI Dashboard to check the status of your team members and encourage those that haven’t yet received their flu vaccination to do so as soon as possible.
For more information about the employee flu vaccination program at Monash Health, visit our Getting an Influenza (flu) vaccination page via the Employee Vaccination Hub. You will also find the answers to more frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the employee flu vaccinations.
Approved by Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director, Public Health and Infection Prevention