🦟 Kunjin virus is a potentially serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
There is currently a higher risk of this virus in SA, particularly in regions along the River Murray, after a sentinel chicken tested positive to the virus.
The time between becoming infected and developing symptoms is likely to be between 2 to 6 days and may extend to 14 days. There is currently no vaccine or cure for this virus.
Most people with Kunjin virus have mild or no symptoms. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their GP.
Rarely, the infection may progress to encephalitis (infection or inflammation of the brain).
Symptoms of encephalitis may include:
◾ fever
◾ rigors (chills/shivering)
◾ headache
◾ neck stiffness
◾ irritability
◾ confusion
◾ drowsiness
◾ seizures.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of encephalitis should seek urgent medical assistance.
ℹ️ For info on preventing mosquito bites, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/fightthebite ... See MoreSee Less
Vaccines, like any other medication or natural therapy, can have side effects.
As part of regulatory assessment of all vaccines, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) considers information about possible side effects.
For a vaccine to be registered for use in Australia, the benefits must outweigh the risks.
The possible side effects are minor and may include:
◾ pain and swelling at the injection site
◾ tiredness
◾ headache
◾ muscle and joint pain
◾ chills
◾ fever
Most side effects last no more than a couple of days and do not require special treatment. Serious reactions like allergic reactions are extremely rare.
Even after a vaccine is given, it is still monitored for safety. Healthcare professionals contribute to ongoing monitoring by informing the TGA of any side effects, even if they are very minor.
As part of vaccine safety surveillance, vaccine recipients may receive a text message from the AusVaxSafety program three days and eight days after the vaccine asking if they have had any side effects.
The AusVaxSafety program is run through the National Centre for Immunisation and Surveillance scheme.
ℹ️ For more information on South Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidvaccinefaqs
If you have had a COVID-19 vaccination and think you may be experiencing side-effects, check out Healthdirect Australia COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effect Checker: www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19-vaccine-side-effect-checker ... See MoreSee Less
There are currently 2️⃣ COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia, including the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.
✅The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be used for people choosing to get vaccinated in Phase 1a of the roll-out.
✅The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was registered for use in Australia on 16 February by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
ℹFor more information, visit www.covidvaccine.sa.gov.au ... See MoreSee Less
👧There has been an 80% drop in public hospital admissions of children 5 years and under suffering from rotavirus in the last 12 years.🧒
The rotavirus vaccine has helped to significantly reduce this rate since being introduced in 2007 and prevents or reduces the severity of rotavirus in most young children.
🤢Rotavirus is a type of gastroenteritis that causes diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and dehydration and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms can last from a few days to a week and people can stay infectious for around one week.
Unlike many other strains of viral gastroenteritis, there is a vaccine available.
Vaccines are our number one defence against infectious diseases and immunisation is a simple, safe and highly effective way of protecting people from harmful diseases before they come into contact with them.
To build long lasting protection, it is important for children to complete the full recommended course or schedule of vaccinations at the recommended times.
ℹThe rotavirus vaccine is available for free as part of the National Immunisation Program and is offered to children at six weeks of age and four months of age. ... See MoreSee Less