The influenza vaccines are available now and are suitable from age 6 months and up.
Annual influenza vaccination is voluntary but recommended for:
Influenza vaccinations are strongly recommended, and government funded for:
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).
It is safe to have an influenza vaccination on the same day as a Covid-19 vaccination.
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.
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.
Yes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Department of Health advice 2023
Influenza vaccination in pregnancy
Monday | 8.00am - 5.00pm |
Tuesday | 8.00am - 5.00pm |
Wednesday | 8.00am - 5.00pm |
Thursday | 8.00am - 5.00pm |
Friday | 8.00am - 5.00pm |
Saturday | 8.00am - 11.30am |
Sunday | 9.00am - 1.00pm (Morningside Clinic). |
Phones open 7.45am Weekdays. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: Closed. IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19, PLEASE PHONE. DO NOT PRESENT DIRECTLY TO RECEPTION.