What is influenza?

Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is caused by a virus and mainly spreads from person to person through the air by coughing, sneezing, talking, or on a person’s hands, surface or object.

The flu virus infects your respiratory system such as the nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. Symptoms such as fever, sore throat and muscle aches develop suddenly and last about a week. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can cause complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis which require hospitalisation.

Flu can also make some underlying medical conditions worse. There is a need to get vaccinated every year because the viruses circulating in the community continually change and immunity from the vaccine does not last a long time.

4 things you might not know about the flu shot!

1. There is no live virus in the flu shot.
   
2. The composition of the vaccine changes every year.
3. The flu shot is safe for pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy.
4. The Flu shot is not recommended for children under 6 months of age.

Can I receive free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program?

The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone from 6 months of age who wishes to be protected against influenza. Free flu vaccine is available for the following people:

• Anyone aged 65 years and over
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 6 months up to 5 years of age
• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• Anyone aged 6 months and over with one or more of the following medical conditions:
• Heart disease
• Severe asthma
• Chronic lung condition
• Diseases of the nervous system
• Impaired immunity eg. cancer, kidney problems
• Diabetes
• Children aged 6 months to 10 years who are on long-term aspirin therapy

I received a flu shot last year, do I still need to get one this year?

Yes. Immunity decreases over time and flu vaccination is needed each year to ensure you continue to be protected. Vaccination is recommended in early autumnto allow time for immunity to be strengthened before the flu season starts.

  Category

   Cardiac disease

   Chronic respiratory conditions

   Chronic neurological conditions

   Immunocompromising conditions

   Diabetes and other metabolic disorders

   Renal disease

   Haematological disorders

   Long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 6 months to 10 years

Is it safe for my child to be vaccinated for flu?

Yes. Children can begin to be vaccinated against the flu from 6 months of age.

Flu vaccines are safe and have been used in children around the world and in Australia for many years. All vaccines currently available in Australia must pass stringent safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Is it safe for me to get the flu shot if I am pregnant?

Yes. The flu vaccine can be safely given during any stage of pregnancy. Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe disease or complications from the flu. It also protects a newborn baby for the first six months after birth.

Is it safe for me, as an adult, to get the flu shot?

Yes. All flu vaccines currently available in Australia are safe to use in adults. All vaccines in Australia must pass stringent safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Are there any side effects with the flu vaccine?

Vaccines, like other medicines, can have side effects, however the majority of side effects are minor.

Common side effects following flu vaccination include soreness, redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, fever and malaise. These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days, usually without any treatment. You should contact your doctor if you are concerned or your child has a persistent high temperature.

Some side effects may mimic flu infection, but all flu vaccines do not contain live virus and so do not cause you to get influenza.



Side effects such as hives or anaphylaxis are rare. People with a history of an allergic reaction to egg protein may still receive flu vaccine after talking to your doctor.

If I get a side effect after I have a flu vaccine, where can I report it?

Speak to your doctor