What is influenza (the flu)?
Influenza (commonly called the flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs). It can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headaches and body aches.
While many people recover from the flu within a week, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and hospitalisation, particularly in vulnerable groups.
Why is the flu vaccine important?
The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from influenza.
- It reduces your risk of getting sick
- It reduces severity if you do get the flu
- It helps to protect vulnerable people in the community (including infants and older adults)
Vaccination has been shown to reduce influenza illness by around 50-60% in health adults and children, depending on the season.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
In Australia, annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
It is especially important for people at higher risk of complications, including:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People with chronic medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease)
These groups are eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
When should I get vaccinated?
In NSW flu vaccines are usually available from April each year, ahead of the peak flu session (typically June to September). Protection lasts around 3-4 months, so getting vaccinated in early autumn is recommended. However, it is never too late to get vaccinated, even later in the season.
Yearly vaccination is recommended as the flu virus changes each year, and vaccines are updated annually to match circulating strains. You should get a flu shot every year, even if you have had the flu or a flu vaccine previously.
Children under 2 receiving the flu vaccine for the first time require 2 doses separated by 1 month.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
Yes. Flu vaccines used in Australia are extensively tested and monitored for safety.
Common side effects are usually mild and may include:
- Soreness at the injection site (up to 10%)
- Mild fever, fatigue or muscle aches (1-10%)
Serious side effects are rare.
Please let your doctor know if you have the following as adjustments may need to be made:
- Previous anaphylaxis to influenza vaccination
- Are on cancer therapy (checkpoint inhibitors)
- Have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
The standard flu vaccine does not contain live virus and therefore cannot cause influenza. A new intranasal live vaccine is available for children under 18 which allows ease of delivery. However, this vaccine has some precautions including that it should not be used in the immunocompromised, those in close contact with immunocompromised patients, pregnant women or patients taking aspirin.
Booking your flu vaccination
Flu vaccines are now available at our clinic. Book an appointment with our GPs or pharmacist today to stay protected this flu season.
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