June Newsletter 2018

Last month I mentioned that we are seeing more and more people taking up Home Care Packages with ECCLI. Demand for ECCLI services shows no sign of slowing

down anytime soon.

We are also now experiencing great interest in our NDIS services in the Hinchinbrook area. I was very fortunate to be on hand to accept a significant donation from the

Rotaract Club in Ingham last month. Thank you to Rotaract.

It also gave me an opportunity to address approx. 70 community leaders from the Hinchinbrook region and update them on our activities.

Needless to say, we have seen an increase in enquiries, this can only be great for ECCLI.

There has been some staff changes in the office with Erin Waters coming on-board to be Case Manager for Ayr clients and assisting with Townsville clients.

We have had Maddie Parsons join our team as Administration Officer, some of you will have talked to Maddy already. Brooke McPherson our previous Administration Officer has been promoted to Client Support Officer.

Brooke’s role is to assist clients to navigate the complexities of the Aged Care process to ensure we continue to provide the service to our members and clients, via reassessment and assisting clients with My Aged Care.

We are also very active in ensuring ECCLI is ready for the introduction of the new Single Aged Care Quality Framework that is due for introduction on the 1st of July 2018.

We have once again had a bumper month for attendance at our social support activities across our three centres.

The flu vaccine – Your best shot at stopping the flu

Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the spread of influenza (commonly known as ‘flu’) in the community.

To protect yourself from the flu, you should get vaccinated every year. The flu virus is always changing so the flu vaccine changes too.

Getting the vaccine from April will protect you before the peak flu period, from around June to September.

The flu vaccine does not contain any live virus, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine.

Vaccination experts recommend that everyone over six months of age get vaccinated to reduce their chance of getting the flu.

Every year the flu vaccine changes to match the flu virus that is most likely to be around during the flu season. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way of preventing the flu and any associated illness.

The vaccine is free for:

People 65 years and over

Older people aged 65 years and over are more likely to be affected by complications associated with seasonal flu.

People with certain medical conditions

People with some existing medical conditions are more likely to have complications from the flu and are eligible for a free flu vaccine.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get the flu shot for free at these ages: – Between six months to less than five years. From 15 years and over.

Flu vaccine safety

Common side effects may happen within one to two days after flu vaccination. These include soreness, redness, discomfort and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, muscle aches and low fever. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days, normally without any treatment.  The Vaccine is safe for people with an egg allergy.

Where can I get the flu shot?

You can get the flu shot from a range of vaccination providers which can include General Practice (your local doctor) and some pharmacies (you would need to check with your local chemist).

Other ways to stop the spread of flu:

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water before and after contact with others, and before handling food. If available, use alcohol-based hand wash if washing facilities are not nearby.

Covering your nose and mouth with tissues or your elbow when you sneeze or cough. Make sure you throw tissues away and wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Not sharing personal items such as cups, plates and cutlery. Staying at home when you are sick.

All information in this fact sheet is correct as at 19 March 2018. It is valid for the 2018 influenza season.