Flu Vaccinations

The flu (influenza) vaccine contains inactive particles that stimulate the body’s natural immune response to build resistance to infection. Each year, the strains within the flu vaccine are updated on the recommendation of the World Health Organisation based on global information.

Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australia. Although it can be a mild disease, it can also cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people. Annual immunisation is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and reducing the spread within the community.

The best time to have a flu vaccination is in April or May each year, prior to the peak of the flu season, which usually occurs between June and September. This is because your immunity is strongest and most effective 3 to 4 months after you are vaccinated.

The flu vaccine provides the best protection available against the flu and reduces the risk of illness. The vaccine is not effective in absolutely every case and some people may still catch the virus after having the flu shot.

The flu vaccines provided by Pharmacist Advice are quadrivalent (four-strain) vaccines, in line with World Health Organisation recommendations. These flu vaccines are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

A prescription is not required if the Pharmacist is administering the flu vaccine.

Immunity following vaccination does not occur immediately. It generally takes two to three weeks for the vaccine to become effective and the body to develop immunity after vaccination.

The influenza vaccine may cause side effects including:

• Soreness, redness, itching and/or swelling at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Mild fever
• Headache

These symptoms usually resolve within two days but if you have any concerns, please speak to your Pharmacist or healthcare professional.

In some instances, there may also be a risk of other side effects such as fainting. If you have Guillain-Barre syndrome, there may be a risk of neurological symptoms. If either of these are relevant for you, please inform your Pharmacist before your vaccine.

The flu vaccine is safe for both you and your baby when given during pregnancy. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) strongly recommends influenza vaccination for pregnant women to protect both the mother and the baby. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free* flu vaccinations to pregnant women.

Please see the “What is the National Immunisation Program?” section for more information about NIP flu vaccinations or speak to your GP or Pharmacist at Pharmacist Advice before booking your appointment.

The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccine every year. The flu can affect people of all ages, however it’s particularly important for a number of people who are at higher risk than others:

• Babies
• People over 65 years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin adults over 15 years
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions
• People who are obese
• People who smoke
• People who haven’t been vaccinated against the flu

Children under nine years receiving their influenza vaccination for the first time require two doses of vaccine, spaced by a minimum of one month.

Children younger than 6 months of age, people with severe or life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or ingredients in the flu vaccine shouldn’t have a flu vaccine. If you have an egg allergy, please speak to your doctor or Pharmacist about the cell-based flu vaccine.

Yes, you can have a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. Studies show that co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines is safe and produces a good immune response.

We recommend that you remain in store for 15 minutes after receiving your vaccination so that the Pharmacist can monitor for any reactions and answer any queries or concerns you may have.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) is a series of immunisations given at specific times throughout your life. The immunisations range from birth through to adulthood.

The influenza vaccine is free* under the National Immunisation Program for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• People aged 65 years or over
• People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease:
  • cardiac disease
  • chronic respiratory conditions
  • chronic neurological conditions
  • immunocompromising conditions
  • diabetes and other metabolic disorders
  • renal disease
  • haematological disorders
  • children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy

State and Territory legislation varies for patients able to vaccinated in pharmacies with a free* flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program. Please see the table below for more information or speak to your Pharmacist at Pharmacist Advice to confirm eligibility for a free* flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program.

The minimum age a Pharmacist can administer a flu vaccination depends on the state or territory legislation. Please see the table below for more information about age restrictions or speak to your Pharmacist at Pharmacist Advice.

People aged 65 years and older can receive an adjuvanted flu vaccine designed to provide increased protection by creating a greater immune response. If you are 65 years or over, please speak to your GP or Pharmacist at Pharmacist Advice before booking your appointment as you may be eligible for a free* flu immunisation through the National Immunisation Program.

Yes, ATAGI clinic advice suggests if a person had a 2022 influenza vaccine in late 2022 or early 2023, that they are still recommended to receive a 2023 formulation of influenza vaccine when it becomes available.

The cost of the flu vaccination and cell-based flu vaccine may vary from store to store. Please contact your local Pharmacist Advise store for more information. The cost may be reduced if you are eligible for a NIP-funded vaccine and the state or territory you live in allows pharmacies access to the National Immunisation Program (see table above). Please note that pharmacies administering NIP vaccines may charge a professional service fee.

To find a Pharmacist Advice store for a flu vaccination, click here.

We recommend making a booking for your flu vaccination here, however, some Pharmacist Advice stores may accept walk ins depending on flu vaccination and Pharmacist availability.

It’s not too late! Contact your local Pharmacist Advice or book online today.