Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
It isn't just a flu vaccine, it's the first step to a healthier Winter.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
It isn't just a flu vaccine. It's the first step to a healthier Winter.
You may be eligible for a FREE flu shot. Book yours today.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
It isn't just a flu vaccine. It's the first step to a healthier Winter.
You may be eligible for a FREE flu shot. Book yours today.
Why is the flu vaccine important?
The flu vaccine, also known as the influenza vaccine, is a crucial tool in protecting against the influenza virus.
This vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness caused by the flu.
It's recommended to get the flu vaccine yearly as the flu virus changes quickly and the strains that were in last year's vaccine may not protect you from this year's virus.
It uses inactivated flu viruses to stimulate the body’s immune system, prompting it to produce antibodies that can recognize and fight the flu virus.
By getting the flu vaccine, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting the flu and experiencing severe symptoms.
Are you eligible for a free flu vaccination through the Australian Government's National Immunisation Program (NIP)?
Eligible people for a free flu vaccination according to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) include:
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People aged 65 and older
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Pregnant women
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All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months or over
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People aged 6 months and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of complications from the flu
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Children 6mo to less than 5 years old
If you are eligible for a vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), you may need to confirm with your selected Blooms The Chemist pharmacy about their NIP vaccine stock availability.
Please note that a service fee may be associated with a National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccination.
Commonly asked questions about the flu
Can I get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine?
It's safe to receive a flu vaccine while also getting another vaccine, such as the COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 can help reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
By vaccinating against both illnesses, you can ensure better protection for yourself and those around you.
Who should get vaccinated against influenza (flu)?
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends influenza vaccination for several groups to protect them against severe influenza.
These groups include:
• Children under 5 years
• People with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• People aged 65 years and over
• Healthcare workers
• Aged care workers
• People with weakened immune systems
When is flu season in Australia?
The flu season typically runs from May to September, with the peak flu season usually occurring in June.
Getting vaccinated against influenza before the flu season starts, ideally in April, is recommended.
However, it’s never too late to get vaccinated, as the flu virus can circulate in the community all year round.
Influenza (Flu) FAQs
Influenza is a contagious infection that can be particularly severe for vulnerable populations such as babies, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
It is a viral infection that can affect your nose, throat and sometimes lungs depending on the virus severity.
It can affect people of all ages and is usually spread by breathing in droplets from someone coughing or sneezing who has the virus1.
1Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu), accessed 23 March 2025
The symptoms of the flu can include1:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Aching muscles
- Sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose
- Loss of appetite
- Sneezing
- Dry, chesty cough
1Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu), accessed 23 March 2025
Most people who are generally healthy may not need to see their doctor for the flu, but if you are at higher risk of serious illness, it’s important you visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Some people who may need to see the doctor while having the flu include1:
- Smokers
- Pregnant people
- People who have heart or kidney disease
- People who have Type 2 diabetes
- People who are very obese (have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher)
- People who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders
- People who have severe asthma, breathing problems or a lung disease
1Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu), accessed 23 March 2025
Getting an influenza vaccine every year is recommended to avoid getting the flu1.
You can get this vaccination from six months or older.
While the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it provides a higher level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those who do get influenza (flu).
Practising good hygiene, such as washing your hands and wearing a face mask, can also help to reduce your risk of getting influenza (flu)1.
1Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu), accessed 23 March 2025
No, the influenza vaccine cannot give you influenza as it is not a live vaccine.
A live vaccine means that there are traces of live virus in the vaccination to activate your immune system.
However, the influenza (flu) vaccine does not prevent you from getting the common cold. This means you may still come down with a cold during flu season despite getting your flu vaccine.
You should get your influenza (flu) vaccine in April or May of each year, as this is before the beginning of flu season. Flu season generally starts between May and September.
Protection from influenza is expected to last for the whole flu season.
The influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of six months. However, it is particularly recommended for the following people:
- Adults over the age of 65
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Children aged six months to less than five years
- People with medical conditions that increase their risk of influenza, such as people with lung conditions or are immunocompromised
- Pregnant people
- Healthcare workers, carers and household contacts of people in high risk groups
- People who work in the aged care sector
- People who are travelling during the influenza season
There are age restrictions in some states.
Please check with your Pharmacist before making an appointment to get your vaccine.
Blooms The Chemist has partnered with a number of corporations that pay for the flu vaccination for their employees.
If you have a voucher for the influenza vaccination, please make a booking online and bring you voucher with you to your appointment.
Your unique voucher code must be provided to the pharmacy at the time of the appointment to obtain the flu vaccination.
Please note that your voucher will not be accepted if you do not provide your unique voucher code at your flu vaccination appointment.