Flu Vaccine / Flu Shot
Flu vaccines available in Robina
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (free): For ages 6 months to 5 years, 65 or over, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, Pregnant, and meet medical criteria.
STATE (free): QLD resident or don’t meet age or medical criteria (until 30th September 2026)
PRIVATE $25: Reside out of QLD
How do I book?
If you're ready to get your flu shot, there are 2 ways you can book:
- Book online via our website or the AMS Connect App. Choose 'All Services' and then 'Flu Vaccine'. Select an appointment time with your chosen doctor to complete the booking.
- Phone Reception and request a Flu Vaccine appointment.
The GP visit is a 5-minute appointment and is bulk-billed.
If you need to discuss anything other than the flu vaccine, please book a separate appointment.
Why get the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine helps to protect you from the influenza virus. Here’s a few reasons to get the flu vaccine this year:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
It is recommended to have the flu vaccine on confirmation of pregnancy, however the vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy. Breastfeeding women can also receive the flu vaccine.
Flu Vaccine –Medical Criteria ‘At Risk’ Group:
Cardiac Disease
- Cyanotic congenital heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
Chronic Respiratory Conditions
- Suppurative lung disease
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic fibrosis / Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chronic emphysema
- Severe asthma
Chronic Neurological Conditions
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Seizure disorders
- Other neuromuscular disorders
Other Chronic Illnesses
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic metabolic diseases
- Chronic renal failure
- Haemoglobinopathies
Impaired Immunity
- Infection, malignancy and chronic steroid use
- Long term aspirin therapy in children ​(aged 6 months ​to 10 years)
- HIV infection
- Asplenia or splenic dysfunction
What is the flu?
The Flu / Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection which is spread by contact with fluids and droplets from sneezes and coughs, or by touching surfaces touched by an infected person. Flu affects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs.
Symptoms of the flu
Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Poor appetite
- Joint/muscle pains
- Feeling sleepy, weak and fatigued
Complications of the flu
Flu season peaks in winter and people infected with the flu virus can become seriously unwell. Potentially life threatening complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, chest infections and liver complications can develop and those in high risk groups are more likely to experience complications resulting in hospitalisation.
If you or your family are concerned about flu symptoms, please book in to see your doctor.
What to do if you get the flu
Even if you have been vaccinated, there is still a chance you may contract influenza, as the vaccine does not provide complete protection against all strains. If you develop flu symptoms, it is important to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.
Antiviral Treatment
Antiviral medication specifically for Influenza A & B can be prescribed by your GP to help reduce the severity and duration of influenza. It works by preventing the flu virus from multiplying in your body.
This type of medication is most effective when started within 48 hours of your symptoms beginning, so it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have the flu.
Antiviral medication may be recommended if you:
- Are in a high-risk group (elderly, pregnant, very young children, or those with chronic health conditions)
- Have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
- Are at risk of serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis
Your GP will assess whether it is appropriate for you based on your symptoms and medical history.
Please note: Antiviral flu medication is a prescription-only medication and is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated before flu season begins.
If you are unwell with flu symptoms, please call us to arrange a telehealth appointment with one of our GPs, or to disuss how to safely see a doctor face-to-face, rather than presenting to the waiting room, to help protect other patients.
Your Appointment
Use online bookings to make your next appointment quickly and conveniently, any time of day. If your appointment type is not available online, please phone the practice to book.
Robina Town Centre
Easy T Centre