Influenza Vaccinations

Influenza vaccines have arrived, booking links below. 

You can book by phone or at reception, or book a general appointment with a GP online via HotDoc, or ask the GP during your next appointment (subject to availability).

When

The influenza vaccines are available now and are suitable from age 6 months and up.

Who

Annual influenza vaccination is voluntary but recommended for:

• all Australians aged 6 months or older

Influenza vaccinations are strongly recommended, and government funded for:

• everyone over 65 years of age
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 6 months of age
• pregnant women - they help to protect mum during pregnancy (influenza can be particularly aggressive during pregnancy) and baby for the first few months after birth
• children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• people with heart disease
• people with severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
• people with chronic lung conditions
• people with diseases of the nervous system which affect your breathing
• people with impaired immunity
• people with diabetes
• people with kidney disease
• people with haemoglobinopathies
• children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

How do I book?

You can book by phone or at reception, or book a general appointment with a GP online via HotDoc, or ask the GP during your next appointment (subject to availability).

The Covid-19 vaccination and the influenza vaccination

It is safe to have an influenza vaccination on the same day as a Covid-19 vaccination.

When should I have it?

It is recommended to have the influenza vaccine before the start of flu season, which in Australia usually begins in June but peaks in August/September. It is recommended that you have your vaccination in April to May, however they may be given later in the season, with protection kicking in a couple of weeks after the vaccine is given. The vaccine can be given any time there are influenza infections circulating in the community.

Why have it?

Influenza is a serious infection, with a long list of potential side effects which go up to and include death. Influenza vaccination, along with general hygiene measures (cover your mouth when you cough, wash your hands, keep your distance, avoid contact with sick people and large crowds, wear a mask, stay home when you're sick) reduces significantly the risk to individuals and hence to the community.

Is it safe and effective?

Yes.

How long does it last?  Should I have it every year?

Protection after vaccination is generally expected to last throughout the year. Optimal protection occurs in the first 3 to 4 months after vaccination. 

The influenza virus mutates readily and having a new vaccine every year is required in order to maintain peak protection from these infections.

Is there anyone who should not be vaccinated?

Children under the age of 6 months and people with a history of anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any type of influenza vaccine should not be immunised.

What do I do on appointment day?

Please only come to your appointment if you are well.  If you are ill on the day, please call reception ASAP to reschedule your appointment.  

Wear clothing which allows easy access to your upper arm.

After the vaccine

Like all vaccines, the influenza vaccine can result in side effects, the most common being low grade fevers, headache, muscle aches and pains, tiredness and irritability. Please reply to the SMS message you will receive from SmartVax 3 days after your immunisation, asking about any side effects.

You can also report all side effects directly to the TGA via this form or to Qld Health 13 HEALTH (13 4325 84).

There is a small increase in the incidence of Guillain-Barre after some influenza vaccines, however if you catch influenza, the risk is much higher, resulting in less cases of Guillain-Barre among those who immunise!

The risk of allergy is very small, but most obvious in the first 15 minutes after immunisation, so it is recommended that you stay close by for that time.

More information

FAQs from Heathdirect

Department of Health advice 2023

QLD Health advice 2023

Vaccination facts and fiction

Influenza vaccination in pregnancy

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