What is influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and congestion.
In some cases, the flu can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. The flu spreads easily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Vaccination is available to help prevent the flu.
Who should get vaccinated against influenza?
Anyone can get the flu, so that is why people aged 6 months and over are recommend to get a yearly influenza vaccine, to help reduce the spread and/or severity of the illness. Speak to your health professional about getting vaccinated.
Under the National Immunisation Program the influenza vaccines are offered free for:
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
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Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
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Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
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People aged 65 years or over
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People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease:
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cardiac disease
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chronic respiratory conditions
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immunocompromising conditions
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haematological disorders
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chronic metabolic disorder
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chronic kidney disease
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chronic neurological condition
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long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years.
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For everyone else there is a fee of approximately $25 for a private vaccine.
Can I receive a COVID-19 Vaccine at the same time as the influenza vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given at the same time) with an influenza vaccine. While this is seen as safe, it comes with a slightly higher risk of side effects such as fever.
Speak to your health professional for more information.
When should I get the influenza vaccine?
Each new season, influenza vaccines are expected to be available from April.
You should get your annual influenza vaccine anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September.
The highest level of protection happens in the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination.
It is never too late to get your vaccination since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for pregnant women at any stage during pregnancy.
There is no set time to wait between having a COVID-19 infection and then having the influenza vaccine. Once you are feeling well and have no fever, you can get an influenza vaccine.
Cost
Under the National Immunisation Program, certain groups receive the vaccine for free (see the list above or the Department of Health).
Should a person not be eligible for a flu vaccine under the Government, there is an approx. cost of $25.00 for the vaccine. Should the vaccine not be given in a dedicated bulk billed clinic, then usual consult fees associated with the General Practitioner will be charged.