Instructions
ALL ANSWERS MUST BE WRITTEN ON THE ANSWER SHEET
The test is divided as follows:
- Reading Passage 1 Questions 1-14
- Reading Passage 2 Questions 15-27
- Reading Passage 3 Questions 28-40
Start at the beginning of the test and work through it. You should answer all
the questions. If you cannot answer a question, leave it and go on to the next.
You can return to it later.
SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION PROGRAM
PART 1
Get vaccinated
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by a virus which spreads easily from person
to person through infected droplets in the air and by hands infected with the virus.
The virus infects your nose, throat and, sometimes, your lungs. In most people it causes
mild to moderate symptoms for about a week, but some people can develop severe illness
and complications which may need to be treated in hospital and can even result in death.
Flu complications include pneumonia and bronchitis. Flu can also make some underlying
medical conditions worse.
Flu is a vaccine-preventable disease. Because the flu virus is constantly changing, it is
necessary to get vaccinated every year. The flu vaccine protects against the three strains
of the virus which are most likely to occur over the winter. Vaccination is recommended in
autumn to give time for immunity to develop before the flu season starts. You cannot get flu
from the vaccine.
PART 2
To prevent complications from flu it is recommended that people in the eligible groups
outlined in this brochure get vaccinated each year.
65 years and over
People aged 65 years and over have the highest risk of complications associated with
seasonal flu. Vaccination decreased hospitalisation and mortality rates by up to 50 per cent.
Indigenous people
Respiratory diseases are major causes of preventable sickness and death in Indigenous
people. All Indigenous people are now eligible for the free flu vaccine from 15 years of age.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complications associated with the virus. The flu
vaccine is safe for pregnant women, including in the first trimester. Vaccinating against flu
during pregnancy also provides protection for the baby during the first vulnerable months of life.
People medically at risk
People with some existing medical conditions are at increased risk of complication from flu
and may now be eligible for free seasonal flu vaccine. These include anyone who is over six
months of age and has a condition such as:
- heart disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- chronic illness requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the past year
- diseases of the neuromuscular system
- impaired immunity, or
- aged six months to 10 years and on long-term aspirin therapy.
Source: Immunise Australia Program
Bình luận