We are the only practice in Australia to be providing a cell based vaccine(instead of egg based vaccine) as our only private flu vaccine
What is the difference?
– Up until recently only egg based influenza vaccines have been used in Australia
– Egg based vaccines are grown in chicken eggs, cell based vaccines are grown in a microscopic mamallian cell
Cell based influenza vaccine has advantages over traditional egg based influenza vaccine.
1. Cell based is a closer match to predicted influenza subtypes giving potential better efficacy
2. Cell based is greener- currently 400,000 caged chicken eggs a day are used for egg vaccine manufacture, cell based vaccines use no eggs
Also
Cell based vaccine is safe, Over 100 million doses given worldwide
Indicated for use form 2 years old to 65 years old
If you are over 65 years old you should still have the adjuvanted/high dose free government vaccine
When is the best time to have influenza vaccine?
We advise the best time to have flu vaccine is from mid April to end of May
What is the cost?
For the month of May this vaccine is free of charge. After May we are able to supply cell based vaccine for $32, egg based is usually about $20
Who should receive Influenza Vaccine?
We advise everyone from the age of 6 months to have influenza vaccine
What about free government vaccines?
We are still supplying all the free government egg based influenza vaccines (for babies/children up until end of primary school, those with chronic illnesses, over 65 year olds)