What is the flu?
Influenza (often called the flu) is a common, highly contagious virus that affects your respiratory system. It is not the same as the common cold. Symptoms include fever, a cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, runny nose and watery eyes.
The flu is a serious disease that can lead to complications and sometimes hospitalisation.
The flu is spread through the air when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. You can also catch the flu from touching a contaminated surface with the virus on it, and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
What are the benefits of a
flu shot?
A flu shot is the most effective way of preventing the spread of the flu. It will protect you and those around you who may be at an increased risk of flu-related complications, including older people, pregnant women and those with an underlying medical condition or reduced immunity. Vaccination against the flu reduces the more serious outcomes, like hospitalisations.
The most common strains of influenza change each year, this means that every year a new flu vaccine is required to match the current strains. For this reason, it is recommended that you are vaccinated against the flu every year.
How much does a flu shot cost?
St John General Practice is now offering free* vaccines this May and June. Consultation fees may apply if you have additional requirements to discuss with your doctor. Please contact the clinic if you have any questions.
FAQ’s
Some of our practices require an appointment made prior to your consultation. Please check with your preferred practice to confirm if they allow walk-in consultations.
St John WA’s Urgent Care centres are not Emergency Departments. Instead, they offer care from 8am to 9pm, 7 days a week, for injuries and illnesses that need immediate treatment but aren’t life-threatening. Urgent Care can provide treatment for possible sprains and broken bones, cuts that need stitches or glue, sports injuries, and animal bites.
Call Triple Zero (000) or attend the emergency department for:
- Heart attack or chest pains
- Inability to breathe
- Collapse or seizure or stroke
- Heavy bleeding
- Serious head or neck injury
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Severe stomach pain
- Bleeding in pregnancy
- Serious mental health problems
- Poisoning or serious allergic reactions
It is always advisable to book an appointment so we can allocate enough time to help you. There are occasions when we can accept walk in patients, however patients must be prepared to sit and wait until a dentist becomes free.
St John General Practice locations
Armadale
Shop 62/63, 10 Orchard Avenue Armadale WA 6112
Cannington
1472 Albany Highway Beckenham WA 6107
Cockburn
Cockburn Gateway - 816 Beeliar Drive Success WA 6164
Joondalup
Joondalup Gate - 21 Joondalup Drive Edgewater WA 6027
Kambalda
2 Gum Nut Place Kambalda WA 6442
Midland
Building 2, Unit 6-7, 8 Clayton Street Midland WA 6056
Osborne Park
435 Scarborough Beach Rd, Osborne Park WA 6017