Flu Vaccine / Flu Shot

The influenza vaccine helps to protect you from the influenza virus. Here’s a few reasons to get the flu vaccine this year:

1. Seasonal influenza can lower your immunity, making you susceptible to other illnesses. The flu can cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people. Influenza is an infection of the airways which can cause severe complications.
2. Getting the flu vaccination protects others in your life, such as those who are too young or sick to be vaccinated, and vulnerable groups such as babies, older people and pregnant women.
3. A large number of flu patients may put a strain on our local hospitals.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

The Australian government is recommending that everyone aged over 6 months is vaccinated against seasonal flu unless medically contraindicated.

Influenza virus strains change each year, meaning last year’s vaccination does not target the virus strains that are circulating this year.

Children aged 6 months to 9 years who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time will need to have two doses, 4 weeks apart.

Vaccination side effects

Minor side effects can occur after any vaccination. These include mild fever and pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Generally, these side effects don’t last for more than two days. Fortunately, serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are extremely rare.

The flu vaccine is one of only two vaccines that are recommended during pregnancy (the other being whooping cough). It is considered safe to have the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. Breastfeeding women can also receive the flu vaccine.