Protect yourself from respiratory illness
A new online toolkit has been designed to help seniors remain aware of winter health risks.
With winter upon us, we all face an increased risk of infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza.
For older Australians, especially those living in aged care or managing other health issues, this time of year can pose serious health risks, including hospitalisation.
With each new winter season, different strains and variants of these diseases emerge, making annual vaccination more important than ever.
Despite pandemic fatigue or worries about side effects, the facts remain clear: regular vaccination continues to be the most effective way to protect against severe illness.
This is particularly vital for seniors, whose immune systems tend to weaken with age and who may also be managing chronic conditions.
Those in aged care facilities are especially vulnerable, not just due to age or health status, but also because of the close-contact nature of communal living.
One person’s illness can quickly affect many others. That’s why it’s essential that aged care residents, staff, families, and visitors stay informed and up to date on vaccination schedules.
To help support this effort, a new Infectious Respiratory Disease Toolkit has been released to assist in promoting vaccination. This free toolkit includes clear key messages, guidance for discussion, a newsletter article, downloadable videos, and ready-to-share social media content – all designed to help older Australians and their carers understand the importance of immunisation.
Having open conversations about vaccines – whether with your doctor, family members, or aged care staff – can help dispel myths and provide reassurance. It can also ensure you get timely access to vaccines that are tailored to protect against the latest flu strains or COVID-19 variants.
While no vaccine can offer 100% protection, being immunised greatly reduces your chances of becoming seriously ill.
So, whether you’re a retiree enjoying life at home or someone living in aged care, now is the time to check your vaccination status – and encourage those around you to do the same.
For more information or to download the communications toolkit, ask your local health provider or aged care service. This winter, a simple conversation could make all the difference.
