If you only visit your GP when you feel unwell or notice unusual symptoms, you may be missing an important part of general practice. GPs do not just diagnose and treat health problems. They also provide preventive care to help you stay well.
Vaccination is one part of preventive healthcare. Vaccines can reduce your risk of particular infectious diseases and, in many cases, lower the risk of serious illness or complications.
Let’s look at why GPs offer flu shots and other vaccinations, and how your GP can help you understand which ones may be suitable for you.
Annual flu shots and why your GP recommends them
As winter approaches, you may receive reminders about flu vaccination from your GP or pharmacist. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against influenza. It does not prevent the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia or other unrelated illnesses.
However, influenza can sometimes lead to serious complications, including pneumonia. Annual vaccination reduces your chance of catching influenza and can lower the risk of serious illness if you do become infected.
The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the influenza strains expected to circulate. In Australia, annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over. It is especially important for people who have a greater risk of becoming seriously unwell, including young children, older adults, pregnant people and people with certain medical conditions.
Vaccination may also help reduce the spread of influenza in the community, which can offer additional protection to people who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
Other vaccinations provided by GPs in Australia
The vaccines available from your local GP may vary. Depending on the clinic and your individual needs, vaccination services may include:
- Childhood and adolescent vaccines
- Adult boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
- Shingles vaccination
- Pneumococcal vaccination
- COVID-19 vaccination or boosters
- Occupational vaccinations
- Travel vaccinations
Not every vaccine is recommended for every person. Your GP will consider factors such as your age, health, vaccination history, pregnancy, occupation and travel plans before providing advice.
Why GPs provide vaccines
Vaccination is an important part of preventive healthcare. It can protect individuals from specific infectious diseases and help reduce the spread of some infections within the community.
The benefits of vaccination can include:
- Reducing your risk of catching certain vaccine-preventable diseases
- Lowering the risk of serious illness or complications from some infections
- Helping protect people who cannot receive particular vaccines or who may not develop a strong immune response
- Supporting protection for babies who are too young to receive certain vaccines
- Helping protect older people and people with some medical conditions who may be more vulnerable to serious illness
- Protecting against specific health risks associated with certain jobs or travel destinations
Travel vaccination requirements vary by country and itinerary. Some vaccines may be recommended based on the health risks at your destination, while proof of vaccination may be required for entry to or travel from certain countries. Your GP can advise you based on your destination, planned activities, length of stay and medical history.
How to get your flu shot or vaccination
You can arrange a flu shot or another vaccination by booking an appointment with your local GP. The vaccination itself is usually quick, although your GP may first need to check your medical history, previous vaccinations and current health needs.
You may also wish to discuss other preventive healthcare during your visit, such as an annual health assessment, medication review, general health check or routine child health check. Ask the clinic when booking whether you need a longer appointment to discuss several health concerns.
GP clinics may not keep every vaccine in stock at all times. If you need a specific vaccine, particularly for travel, contact the clinic before your appointment to check availability and possible waiting times if they need to be ordered.
If you are unsure which vaccinations you need, book an appointment with your GP to review your vaccination history and recommend vaccines based on your own healthcare needs and circumstances.
Book your annual flu shot or vaccination in the Sutherland Shire
Vaccination can help protect you against specific infectious diseases and may also reduce the spread of some infections within the community.
Shire Doctors & Dentists offers childhood, adolescent and adult vaccination services. Our GPs can assist with routine childhood vaccinations and provide adults with advice about immunisation at different stages of life.
Contact Shire Doctors & Dentists in Caringbah to ask about vaccine availability or book an appointment to discuss which vaccinations may be appropriate for you.