Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious viral illness impacting the respiratory system. It is caused by various strains of influenza viruses, mainly types A and B. The flu typically spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces such as handrails, door handles, keyboards, bench tops and utensils.

While most individuals recover from the flu within a few days to a couple of weeks, certain groups, particularly those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, are at higher risk of developing complications. These complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, or exacerbation of existing health issues.

The flu vaccine contains inactive particles of the flu virus that stimulate the body’s own natural defence mechanism (the immune system) to help develop protection from the virus. These inactivated parts can't cause you to get the flu. They work by training your body's immune system to recognise and fight off the influenza virus.

When you get the vaccine, your body recognises these foreign components (inactive particles) as invaders. This triggers your immune system to produce antibodies – special proteins designed to fight that specific influenza virus. These antibodies circulate in your bloodstream for a period of time. If you have been vaccinated, when you encounter the virus, your body is better prepared to destroy it, which helps prevent you becoming unwell.

A flu vaccination can help to protect you and your family from infection caused by the virus. The more people that are vaccinated in the community, the less likely it is for the disease to spread.

The best time to get a flu vaccine is in autumn (from late March to May) prior to the winter peak flu season which usually occurs between June and September.

Protection from the vaccine is expected to develop two to three weeks after immunisation and is expected to last for the whole season, but optimal protection occurs within the first three to four months after immunisation. You should not delay immunisation until closer to winter, as the flu can occur at any time, and the peak of the flu season may come earlier than expected.

No. There is no live virus in the flu vaccine so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine.

Generally, the flu vaccine is well tolerated, although you may experience some mild side effects that typically last for approximately 1 -2 days such as:

- redness, swelling or pain at the injection site,

- Tiredness

- Muscle aches or

- low-grade fever

This is your body’s immune response to the vaccine, not the actual flu illness itself. These symptoms usually resolve within a couple of days but if you have any concerns, please speak to your Pharmacist or Doctor.

In a small number of people, more serious side effects can occur including hives, angioedema or anaphylaxis. If you are worried that your side effects are persistent or severe, immediately contact your doctor, call ‘000’ or go to your nearest hospital’s emergency department.

All Australians aged from 6 months and older are recommended to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Almost everyone can benefit from having the flu vaccination. Even if you’re fit and healthy, you could pass the virus onto someone who is at risk of becoming very unwell if they develop the flu.

Yearly vaccination is very important for people who are at highest risk of serious complications from flu, such as:

· Adults over 65 years of age

· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

· Pregnant and breastfeeding women (the flu vaccine is safe at all stages of pregnancy)

· People with weakened immune systems

· People who smoke

· Infants and young children (6 months to 5 years of age)

· People with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease such as CPOD and asthma, chronic liver disease and many more

· Homeless people

· Occupational groups

· Travellers (when travelling during flu season)

o carers and household contacts of people in high-risk groups

o residents, staff, volunteers and visitors to aged care and long-term residential facilities

o essential services providers

Some of these high-risk groups may be eligible for a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. For further information, please speak to your Pharmacist or Doctor for more information.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free flu vaccine to eligible individuals. These include:

• anyone aged 65 years and older

• children 6 months to less than 5 years old

• pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)

• all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months or over

• people aged 6 months or older with medical conditions that increase their risk of getting a serious disease such as:

  • cardiac disease

  • chronic respiratory conditions

  • chronic neurological conditions

  • immunocompromising conditions

  • diabetes and other metabolic disorders

  • renal disease

  • haematological disorders

Please note you may still incur a vaccine administration fee. Speak with your Pharmacist or healthcare professional prior to booking a flu immunisation.

No, a prescription for a flu vaccine is not required.

The flu virus is constantly changing so the vaccine is updated each year to ensure it contains the most recent and common circulating strains.

Also, a person’s immune protection from influenza declines over time, so annual flu vaccination is recommended.

The flu vaccine meets Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration standards and has been available for over 50 years

Advantage Pharmacies are committed to providing the flu vaccination service this year to as many people as possible, whilst focusing on the health and safety of both our staff and our customers.

We will be following all COVID safe practices and guidelines, including private consultation areas, hand hygiene and sanitisers for both immuniser and customer use, social distancing whilst in the pharmacy and cleaning and disinfection of all hard surfaces in between appointments.

Advantage Pharmacies follow all professional, State and National guidelines regarding immunisation services within the pharmacy setting.

Prior to your vaccination, you will be asked to complete a consent form and asked some questions about your general health and if you’ve had any previous reactions to vaccines.

A trained pharmacist will administer the flu vaccination, and then you will be required to remain in the pharmacy for a further 15 minutes where you can be observed, just in case of any unlikely adverse reaction. (If you are unable to remain in the pharmacy for the 15 minutes after your vaccination, you must sign an Immunisation Monitoring Release Form and hand this to the Pharmacist prior to you leaving the premises).

Yes, all immunisations administered in a Pharmacy are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Your Medicare number plus other personal details are used to ensure accurate recording of your immunisation.

<h6 class="font_6">The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women. Pharmacists are able to vaccinate pregnant women in some states and territories, depending on relevant legislation. Please speak to your pharmacist to ensure they are able to vaccinate pregnant women. </h6>

An enhanced version of the flu vaccine is available for people aged 65 years or older. This vaccine is designed to increase the immune system's response to the vaccine and cover against the strains more common and severe in older people. The vaccine is only accessible through the National Immunisation Program. People aged 65 years or older should speak with their pharmacist or doctor prior to booking a flu immunisation.