Influenza Vaccine Information
FIGHTING THE FLU STARTS WITH YOU
ABOUT THE INFLUENZA VACCINE
The Influenza vaccines are given each year to protect
against the most common strains of the virus.
The strains can change from year to year so the
vaccines may be updated from one season to the
next, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year.
INFLUENZA VACCINE SAFETY
Common side effects from the influenza vaccine include mild pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine is given. These side effects usually last for a few days and go away without any treatment.
While some effects may seem like influenza, none of the influenza vaccines available in Australia contain live influenza viruses, so they
cannot cause influenza.
As the egg based influenza vaccines under the NIP only contains minute traces of egg protein, people with egg allergy, including a history of anaphylaxis, can be safely vaccinated with influenza vaccines. If you have an egg allergy, please discuss this with your immunisation provider.
People should not receive the influenza vaccine if they have experienced anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any influenza vaccine or anaphylaxis after any component of an influenza vaccine.
Serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction are extremely rare.
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THE INFLUENZA VACCINE
Everyone six months and older is recommended to get an influenza vaccine each year. The flu vaccine not only protects you, but it also can
help protect those around you.
The influenza vaccine is provided free to those most at risk from influenza and its complications.
Under the National Immunisation Program the following groups are entitled to the free influenza vaccine:
- People aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people
- People with certain medical conditions
WHEN TO GET YOUR VACCINE DONE
You should get vaccinated each year from mid April onward to be protected before the influenza season, which is usually June to
September in most parts of Australia.
Please click the link below for any further information.