Flu Vaccination

As a vaccinating pharmacy, our pharmacist immunisers are accredited to administer flu vaccinations* from 5 years old and over - no prescription necessary. Alternatively, with a valid prescription, we can dispense your flu vaccine to be administered by your nurse / doctor.

Click here to book online - Other appointment times may be available on request, please call to book.

Who should get a flu vaccination?

It is recommended that any person 6 months of age and older be vaccinated for protection against the influenza virus.

Unlike a common cold, influenza can be more serious with sufferers often confined to bed rest and unable to work for up to a week or more.

”High risk” people may develop health complications, where the illness can be much more serious and may require hospitalisation.

As the strains of flu virus constantly change every year, the vaccine composition is reviewed and updated as needed to maintain effectiveness.

Higher risk groups include:

  • People aged 65 years and over

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 6 months to <5 years and adolescents and adults aged 15 years and over.

  • Pregnant women

  • People with severe asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and kidney disease and other chronic conditions.

The group above may qualify to be immunised under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

People who are more likely to come in to contact people of “higher risk” are also strongly encouraged to have an annual flu vaccination, including (but not limited to):

  • Healthcare & Emergency services workers

  • Aged care and childcare workers

  • Anyone who lives or works with “higher risk” people.

FAQs

What is the flu?

Influenza is a viral infection, transmitted by virus-containing aerosols produced by coughing, sneezing or by direct contact with respiratory secretions.

Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australia. Although it can be a mild disease, it can also cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy individuals, which may require hospitalisation.

Flu immunisation is recommended annually, especially high-risk groups.

What is involved in a flu vaccination appointment?

A qualified immuniser will administer a flu vaccination in our private counselling room - No prior prescription will be required.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to complete a consent form and prescreening. This can also be completed via our online booking system.

You will need to remain within the pharmacy for at least 15 minutes after your vaccination for observation.

What are possible side effects?

All flu vaccinations administered must meet the TGA’s strict criteria for efficacy and safety. Side effects are usually mild and subside in a few days, which may include:

  • Muscle aches

  • Fever

  • Pain or swelling at the injection site

  • Tiredness

If you are concerned about the persistence or severity of the side effects experienced, please seek immediate medical attention.

When should I get the flu vaccine?

Vaccination is best undertaken in autumn (March – May) in anticipation of Australia’s peak flu season which usually occurs between June and September.

It is also recommended to be vaccinated against the flu annually as:

  • Immune protection from influenza vaccination declines over time.

  • The virus is constantly changing, where the flu vaccine is updated each season to protect against the most recent and commonly circulating strains.

Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine

No - Australian flu vaccines do not contain the ‘live’ virus.

Your body responds by building immune defences against the strains vaccinated, such as developing antibodies.

This immune response may present as “cold-like” symptoms such as those listed under possible side-effects.

If you are concerned about the persistence or severity of the side effects experienced, please seek immediate medical attention.

Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time?

YES. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated advice that both vaccines can be co-administered together.

Covid-19 and Influenza are different viruses that both can result in serious health complications.

Vaccinating for one only will not offer protection against the other, which is why it is important keep your immunisations up to date against both.

Please speak to our pharmacists or your GP if you require further advice.

*Subject to pharmacist recommendation and pre-screening. Vaccination Service fees apply - General Patients $24.99, NIP Patients $19.99. Flu Vaccinations can only be provided to people aged over 5 years in VIC. For children under 5 years of age, please see your GP. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment. You must remain within the pharmacy after vaccination for at least a further 15-minutes for observation. Some people may be eligible for a free bulk-billed NIP flu vaccination through their GP – please speak to our pharmacist or GP to see if you are eligible. Some people may not be suitable for a pharmacy flu vaccination, and will be referred to their GP. Appointment times subject to vaccine and immuniser availability.