An national request, made legal in SA by a state of emergency direction required that all aged care workers and visitors to such facility, are to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza in order to enter an aged care facility as of May 1st 2020.
“Receiving a vaccination from April provides optimal protection in the peak period of influenza circulation, usually from June to September in most parts of Australia.” states Health Minister Greg Hunt.
The theory being contracting influenza may make people vulnerable should they also contract COVID-19.
Studies have shown that tri-valent influenza vaccines can increase the risk of contracting a coronavirus – a phenomenon known as virus interference.