It’s time to get your yearly Influenza vaccine (Flu shot).
Annual vaccination is the most important way to prevent influenza and its complications. Influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged ≥6 months.
Spleen Australia and ATAGI recommend the yearly influenza vaccine for individuals with immunocompromising conditions and are FREE for all people living without a functioning spleen. Annual vaccination should ideally occur before the onset of each influenza season. The period of peak influenza circulation is typically June to September in most parts of Australia. Please click on thelink for the full ATAGI statement.
The Influenza vaccine can be given at the same time as COVID-19 and other Spleen vaccines. Please check with your GP to see if you are due for any ‘spleen vaccines’.
For other great resources that answers many important questions about the Influenza vaccine, see the information resourses below.
All Australians over five years of age will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines are not ‘live’ which means they do not carry any active part of the virus. We believe it will be an important vaccine for our patients to have. Below we have provided links to resources from the Australian Government, Department of Health, and Medicine/Vaccine advisory boards. We will endeavour to update our website regularly to reflect the most up to date information. Your GP will be helpful in providing advice regarding the vaccine.
COVID-19 2024 dose recommendations
ATAGI has updated its recommendations for a the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination remains the most important measure to protect those at risk of severe disease from COVID-19. The updated recommendations are:
ATAGI recommends a dose of COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged ≥75 years every 6 months.
ATAGI recommends the following groups receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, and can consider a dose every 6 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:
• Adults aged 65—74 years
• Adults aged 18—64 years with severe immunocompromise
The following groups can consider a COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:
• All other adults aged 18—64 years
• Children and adolescents aged 5—<18 years with severe immunocompromise
Although there is minimal benefit from having a COVID-19 vaccine dose soon after infection, it is challenging for many individuals to know if they have had a recent infection. In these circumstances it is appropriate to proceed with a further dose where recommended.
• XBB.1.5-containing vaccines are preferred over other COVID-19 vaccines.
• An XBB.1.5-containing vaccine is not currently available for children aged 6 months—<5 years, however a formulation has been approved for use and supply is anticipated in 2024.
• COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any other vaccine for people aged ≥5 years.
• COVID-19 vaccines remain funded for eligible individuals
To assess your eligibility please discuss with your GP or specialist. Click on thislink for further information
Am I at greater risk of getting the coronavirus infection? There is now some information from the UK and elsewhere saying that people without a functioning spleen may have a slightly increased risk of getting COVID-19. The reason why you had your spleen removed and any ongoing medical treatments would add to this risk. Additionally, if you get a viral infection you may get a secondary bacterial infection (e.g. pneumonia).
All patients registered with Spleen Australia are recommended to have COVID vaccines (any type), as per ATAGI guidelines, to provide effective protection from the virus.
Who should I contact if I have symptoms and/or have COVID? If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, immediately get tested (PCR or RAT) and isolate until you get your result. If your symptoms are of concern, contact your GP. If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
When should I take my emergency supply of antibiotics? Do not take your emergency antibiotics if you have symptoms of a viral infection. Get your symptoms assessed ASAP by your GP (eg. telehealth appointment) to determine if your symptoms are COVID related or a bacterial infection (or both). If the doctor feels your symptoms are due to a bacterial infection you will probably be prescribed a course of antibiotics. If you cannot get to see a doctor promptly (within a few hours) and feel very unwell, take your emergency supply of antibiotics. When you do get to see a doctor tell them what you have taken.
Spleen Australia recognised two decades of work today with Daryl Braithwaite and Brian Nankervis coming along to The Alfred to help mark the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Department of Infectious Diseases Director Anton Peleg acknowledged the success of the clinical service.
“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Spleen Australia. It’s growing every year, and there is still so much left to do,” said Anton.
Infectious Diseases Unit Deputy director Denis Spelman, who helped establish the registry/clinical service, spoke about the journey of Spleen Australia.
“Spleen Australia has had an impact on so many people, not just those people without a functioning spleen,” said Denis.
Spleen Australia began in 2002 when a young woman at the Alfred Health died from pneumococcal sepsis. The ICU and medical team felt that if she and her parents knew how to detect and prevent sepsis this young woman would still be alive today.
“Part of the success has been detecting that there was a need and chasing the resources to build something like this,” said Denis.
“But we are not there yet – we want to be able to completely prevent sepsis in this particular group. “I want to say a heartfelt thanks – not just to the patient groups but to everyone who has been involved.”
Sharon Willems, our very talented nurse co-ordinator, has recently had an article published in the July 2023 issue of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal (ANMJ).
The article describes the history of Spleen Australia, and states why this clinical service is so essential for our vulnerable patient population. These patients have a lifelong increased risk of serious bacterial infections. Left untreated these bacterial infections can lead to sepsis.
L to R: Dr Clare Huppatz; Sanchita Gera; Penny Jones; Sam Gibbings; Sharon O’Brien
Penny Jones and Sharon O’Brien in June 2023 travelled to Western Australia to introduce Spleen Australia’s clinical service to WA health professionals and patients. Penny and Sharon presented at the Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference (CDIC). They gave numerous presentations to clinicians at a variety of WA hospitals.
Spleen Australia is looking forward to working with WA patients. To register please click on the registration button on our website’s main menu bar.
L to R: Associate Professor Asha Bowen; Sharon O’Brien (Spleen Australia Nurse Co-ordinator); Penny Jones (Spleen Australia Manager); Dr Hannah Gooding and Dr Christopher Blyth
Penelope Jones, manager of Spleen Australia, has been featured in a channel 7+ episode of The House of Wellness.
The episode explains the importance of the spleen in fighting bacterial infections. Penny and her nursing team are committed to reducing the risk of life-threatening infections in people without a functioning spleen. The clinical service/registry is based in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
NEW ADVICE: Spleen Australia and the National Immunisation Program (NIP) recommends a booster dose of the meningococcal B (Bexero) vaccine. The recommendation is to have this vaccine 5 years after your initial TWO doses.
The meningococcal B vaccine is FREE for all people without a functioning spleen. Below we have provided a link to resources from the Australian Government, Department of Health. We will endeavor to update our website regularly to reflect the most up to date information. Your GP will be helpful in providing advice regarding the vaccine.