Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
It isn't just a flu vaccine, it's the first step to a healthier Winter.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
It isn't just a flu vaccine, it's the first step to a healthier Winter.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
It isn't just a flu vaccine. It's the first step to a healthier Winter.
Why is the flu vaccine important?
The flu vaccine, also known as the influenza vaccine, is crucial to protecting yourself and your community.
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection that typically peaks in circulation from June to September. In some cases, the flu can cause serious illness – and the flu vaccine is the most important measure in preventing this.
Annual vaccinations help to protect against the most common strains of flu and reduce the risk of serious illness. In this guide, see why the flu shot matters, what to expect, and how to book yours in.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
In Australia, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious illness from influenza, including young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with certain medical conditions.
Children under 9 years receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time need two doses of vaccines, given at least one month apart.
Some groups (such as aged care workers and healthcare workers) may be required to receive the flu vaccine as part of their role to help protect vulnerable people.
Most people with allergies can safely receive the flu vaccine, including those with egg allergy or a history of anaphylaxis to eggs. If you have any concerns, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. However, people who have had anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction to a previous influenza vaccine should not receive further flu vaccines.
Why getting a flu vaccine matters
Each year, the flu shot helps guard ourselves and our communities from illness. This preventative measure benefits all individuals by protecting you from illness so that your life isn’t interrupted.
It’s also crucial for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with underlying conditions. The flu spreads easily from person to person through sneezing, coughing, talking and contaminated surfaces.
Influenza affects all people, but for vulnerable groups it can be significant. When serious illness occurs it can require hospitalisation and can cause death.
By getting the influenza vaccine, you not only reduce the risk of illness but also help prevent it reaching vulnerable people.
Who is Eligible for the Free Vaccine
Some people are eligible for a free flu jab under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Those who can receive a free flu jab from community pharmacists include:
• Children aged 6 months to 5 years
• Adults aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged 6 months and over
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that put them at serious risk, including:
- cardiac disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- immunocompromising conditions
- haematological disorders
- chronic metabolic disorder
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic neurological condition
- long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years
When and where to get your flu vaccine
The best time to get your flu shot so that you’re protected from peak season is from April onwards.
The influenza vaccine is at its highest level of protection in the first 3–4 months. However, it’s never too late to receive your flu shot, since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.
If you’re planning on international travel, it’s a good idea to have your flu vaccine at least 2 weeks before departure.
Flu shots are available at a range of health services – such as general practices, community health centres and pharmacies. You can check your state’s immunisation schedule to know when to receive your local immunisation:
• ACT schedule
• TAS schedule, TAS flu schedule
• WA adult schedule, WA child schedule
What to expect when getting your flu jab
You may experience mild side effects following your flu vaccine appointment. The good news is that most reactions are light and only last a couple of days. Common side effects can include:
• Muscle aches
• Mild fever
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Pain, redness or swelling at site of injection
• Lump at site of injection
If you do experience these mild influenza vaccine side effects, avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of days afterwards. You can use a cold compress and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to alleviate symptoms too.
How to book your flu vaccine with us
Ready to protect yourself this flu season? Book your influenza vaccine with us today.
Simply enter your postcode or suburb and the flu vaccine type you’re seeking, and we’ll find available bookings as well as contact information for your nearest Blooms The Chemist.
FAQs about the flu vaccine
The influenza vaccine works by teaching your immune system how to recognise the flu virus without having to contract it. Flu vaccines contain tiny, inactive parts for the virus that can’t make you sick. This allows your body to practise responding to the flu so that it’s able to fight it.
Following the vaccine, your body makes protective antibodies which can fight off the real flu virus. Remember that it takes around 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, which is why getting vaccinated early is so important
The flu vaccine is effective at reducing the risk of influenza. Maximum protection lasts from 3–4 months, so it’s recommended to receive the flu shot annually so that you’re properly protected for each new flu season.
Yes, it’s possible to still get the flu after vaccination. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu, but as it takes around two weeks for your body to build full protection you can catch the virus during that time. The flu virus also changes each year, and while the vaccine is updated annually, it may not cover every strain in circulation. Even if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, symptoms are usually much milder and the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and complications is significantly reduced.1
The cost of your flu vaccine varies depending on eligibility. The vaccine is free for those under the National Immunisation Program, and paid influenza vaccines are available for others. Booking can be made through Blooms The Chemist website.
Currently, Australia uses inactivated flu vaccine injections, they are not live attenuated vaccines. Inactivated flu vaccines are made using a flu virus that has been killed and therefore cannot cause infection. Inactivated vaccines are commonly used and have a strong safety record – including for people with weakened immune systems.2
Most people only need one injection to protect them from annual peak flu seasons. It takes around 2 weeks for you to develop protection following the flu shot, so if you’re travelling overseas, ensure you receive it in that timeframe before you depart.3
The flu vaccine usually only causes mild symptoms that go away in 1–2 days. These symptoms are linked to your immune system responding to the vaccine. As the influenza vaccine contains inactive strains of the virus, it can’t give you the flu.4
Occasionally, you may feel mild side effects from the flu vaccine. These usually go away within 1–2 days. Side effects can include symptoms like muscle aches, mild fever, and drowsiness or tiredness.
If you’re feeling sick and unsure about whether or not you can receive the flu vaccine, speak to your healthcare advisor or local Blooms The Chemist pharmacist.
The influenza vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from flu and illness.