Influenza
What is it?
What do I need?
How long will it take?
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications, including pneumonia. The influenza virus is spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes.
Requirements
If your placement hours occur during Melbourne’s influenza season – 1 June to 31 October – you need to be vaccinated with the current flu vaccine for the relevant year. Outside of these dates, vaccination is still highly recommended but is not typically required.
The current-year influenza vaccine is typically made available in March-May, with older vaccines expiring at the end of February. Times may differ depending on the year.
Check your vaccination record for the latest influenza vaccine. Contact the MDHS Student Hub if you are uncertain as to whether your vaccine is valid. You can also review what vaccines are currently acceptable on the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Evidence
Upload a copy of your vaccination record showing a valid dose of an acceptable brand of influenza vaccine that has been administered after the 1 March for the relevant year.
If you are looking for an influenza vaccination, you can contact your local GP, pharmacy, or the University of Melbourne Health Service.
More details
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I received a flu shot in January or February
If you received a flu shot in January or February, it was the vaccine from the previous year. To ensure ongoing protection and compliance, you will need to be vaccinated again later in the year when the current influenza vaccine becomes available, typically in March or April.
Ready to submit your documents? Go to Sonia.
Still have questions? Contact the MDHS Student Hub.