Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
Protect Yourself and Your Community with the Annual Flu Vaccine
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe symptoms and serious complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalisation, and even death. Because influenza viruses are constantly evolving, the vaccine is reformulated every year to match the newest strains. This is why annual vaccination is the most effective way to provide up-to-date protection for yourself, your family, and your community.
What is Influenza?
The flu is caused by influenza viruses, which may infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms often appear suddenly and can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. It is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Why Get Your Flu Shot?
The flu is very contagious. It spreads easily through tiny droplets when people cough and sneeze. You can also pick it up by touching everyday things like doorknobs or phones and then touching your face.
Getting the annual flu shot is your best defence. It helps your body build protection against the most common types of the flu virus. This lowers your chances of getting sick, and if you do catch the flu, your illness will likely be much milder.
When you get vaccinated, you also help protect the people around you. This is especially important for those who are more vulnerable, like babies, older adults, and people with serious health conditions. It’s a simple way to help keep our whole community safer.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all individuals aged 6 months and over.
It is especially important, and often funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), for:
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Children aged 6 months to under 5 years. Please note: While vaccination is highly recommended for this age group, pharmacists are authorised to vaccinate individuals aged 5 years and over. Children under 5 will need to see their GP or another authorised immunisation provider.
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Adults aged 65 years and over
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Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
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Individuals with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of complications.
When Should I Get Vaccinated?
Australia's flu season generally runs from May to October, with cases peaking between June and September. It is recommended to be vaccinated before the flu season starts to allow your body time to build immunity, which takes about two weeks.
If you are planning to travel overseas, it is best to get your flu shot at least two weeks before your departure.
You can also get your flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. It is safe and convenient to receive both during the same appointment.
Book Your Flu Shot Today
Stay one step ahead of the flu season. Book your appointment with our accredited pharmacists for a quick and professional vaccination service.
FAQ
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER GETTING THE FLU VACCINE?
Influenza is a very contagious infection of the airways. While it can be a mild disease for many, it can be especially serious for babies, people over 65 years of age and pregnant women. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from serious disease caused by influenza and helps reduce the spread of flu in our community. The COVID-19 vaccines do not protect you against the flu, so you should still have your annual flu shot so you are protected.
DO I NEED TO MAKE A BOOKING?
No. To avoid having to wait for our pharmacist, we recommend you make an appointment and fast track your paperwork by filling it out online before you arrive. However, you can also walk-in to any of our pharmacies during opening hours and we will be happy to organise your flu jab.
CAN I HAVE A FLU SHOT AND A COVID-19 VACCINATION AT THE SAME TIME?
Yes. Influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines can now be given on the same day. Co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is safe and products a good immune response. If you would like to do this, please make a COVID-19 vaccination booking and we can administer your flu shot at the same time.
I'M PREGNANT..CAN IS STILL GET A FLU SHOT?
The vaccine provided is deemed safe for pregnant women in all stages of pregnancy and as of April 2020, our qualified pharmacists are now allowed to vaccinate pregnant women.
I'M OVER 65 - CAN I GET MY SHOT FOR FREE?
If you are over 65+ years of age you are entitled to a quadrivalent influenza vaccine fully funded by the Australian Government and we can administer your vaccination in our pharmacy, free of charge.
DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION?
During your appointment at your preferred Pharmacy Network store, a trained pharmacist will administer your flu vaccination if you are 10 years or over and are well when you arrive for your appointment. No prior prescription is required and we will update the Australian Immunisation Register on your behalf.
CAN I STILL GET THE FLU
No vaccine is 100% effective. However, evidence shows that the flu vaccine provides a good level of protection in healthy people. Protection develops about two weeks after being given the injection and lasts up to a year.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
It is not possible to get the flu from your flu shot. Like all medicines, some people can experience side effects from the vaccine, which include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, low-grade temperature, muscle aches and drowsiness. Please speak to our pharmacist if you have experienced side effects from vaccinations in the past, or have any allergies.
CAN I GO STRAIGHT BACK TO WORK AFTER MY JAB?
ACT Health requires you to remain in-store, or nearby, for 15 minutes after receiving your vaccination so that our Pharmacist can monitor any reactions, and answer any queries or concerns you may have.
CAN I GET IT AT ANY THE PHARMACY NETWORK STORE?
We are able to vaccinate anyone 12 years and over and have appropriately trained pharmacist vaccinators in all four of our stores ready to administer flu vaccine in 2022, depending on vaccine availability. If you would like a child under 12 vaccinated, please ring the pharmacy first to check that we have a pharmacist on site to assist the day you want to get your child's flu vaccination.
WHEN SHOULD I GET VACCINATED?
Having an influenza vaccine every year in Autumn is recommended. Protection develops about two weeks after the injection and lasts up to a year.