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You may have questions about the influenza (flu) vaccine, such as:

• who should get it
• when to get it
• if there are any side effects

Here are answers to some common questions about flu shots.

Who should have the flu shot?

The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu shot every year.

Getting vaccinated against the flu helps protect both you and the people around you.

It’s particularly important to protect vulnerable people in the community who are at risk of severe disease, such as:

• babies
• older people
• pregnant women
• people with chronic (long-term) health conditions

Why should I have the flu shot?

In Australia, influenza (the flu) is the most common illness that can be prevented with a vaccine.

When should I have the flu shot?

Vaccination is recommended each year before the flu season starts.

While it’s possible to get the flu at any time of year, cases in most parts of Australia are highest between June and September.

Many people aim to get a flu shot around April or May. This is because protection from flu is highest for the 3 to 4 months after having your shot.

But it’s never too late to get vaccinated, especially if you are travelling to other parts of Australia or overseas.

BOOK YOUR VACCINATION — Use the Service Finder to book a Influenza (Flu) vaccination.

How many doses of flu shot do I need?

You should have the flu shot every year. Most people only need one injection.

Some people need 2 shots, 4 weeks apart, these are:

• children aged 6 months to 9 years old getting the flu shot for the first time
• people getting the flu shot for the first time after a stem cell transplant, organ transplant or treatment called ‘CAR T-cell therapy’

Why do I need a flu shot every year?

The strains of flu virus infecting people in the community can change each year. The flu vaccine is updated each year to provide protection from the current flu strains.

So, you need to get a flu shot every year to protect you from the current flu viruses.

Where can I get a flu shot?

You can get a flu shot at:

• your local doctor’s clinic
• local council immunisation clinics
• community health centres
• Aboriginal health services
• some pharmacies

Check beforehand whether you need to pay:

• for the vaccine
• a consultation fee for the appointment

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Do I need to pay for my flu vaccine?

The influenza vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for:

• children aged 6 months to 5 years
• adults aged 65 years and older
• pregnant women
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 6 months and older
• people with certain underlying medical conditions

States and territories may also offer free flu shots for other groups. Ask your doctor or check with your state or territory health department.

You can pay for the flu shot if you are not eligible for free vaccination.

Does the flu vaccine protect against COVID-19?

The flu vaccine won’t protect you against COVID-19 (coronavirus).

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

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time if you are aged 5 years and older. However, the COVID-19 vaccine is only recommended for children aged 5 to 17 years who are severely immunocompromised.

Does everyone get the same flu vaccine?

There are different types of influenza vaccines available. Speak with your doctor about the best vaccine for you.

All vaccines available for use in 2024 cover 4 strains of flu.

The flu vaccine is not an mRNA vaccine.

Are there special influenza vaccines for older people?

Enhanced flu vaccines have been developed to give better protection against flu to older people. Enhanced vaccines include:

• vaccines that contain an ‘adjuvant’ — an ingredient designed to increase the immune-system’s response to the vaccine
• high-dose influenza vaccines

There are 2 enhanced flu vaccines available for older people in 2024:

• Fluad Quad is available for people aged 65 years and older.
• Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is available for people aged 60 years and older.

Can I get the flu vaccine if I have an egg allergy?

The influenza vaccine is typically grown in chicken’s eggs. But the amount of egg protein that remains in the vaccine is tiny.

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) says both adults and children with egg allergy can be safely vaccinated against the flu.

The risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) after vaccination is very low. It’s estimated to affect fewer than 2 people for every 1 million doses.

It’s also rare for people with egg allergy to experience side effects after getting the flu shot, such as hives, wheezing, vomiting or abdominal pain.

If you are concerned, ask your doctor if you (or your child) can be observed for 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Staff usually observe people for 15 minutes after vaccination.

What is the cell-based influenza vaccine and is it better than egg-based vaccines?

Flucelvax Quad is the only cell-based flu vaccine currently used in Australia.

In general, cell-based vaccines have a similar effectiveness to standard (egg-based) flu vaccines. For most people, neither type is recommended over the other.

Can I get the flu vaccine if I have a latex allergy?

Influenza vaccines used in Australia do not contain latex. They are safe for people with a latex allergy or sensitivity.

Can the flu shot give me the flu?

You can’t catch the flu from the flu shot.

None of the flu vaccines used in Australia contain live flu virus. This means they can’t give you the flu.

Up to 1 in 10 people have side effects from the flu shot that are similar to the early signs of the flu. These may include:

• fever
• tiredness
• muscle aches

These side effects can start within a few hours of having your shot. They usually last for 1 to 2 days.

Other mild side effects from the flu vaccine include pain, redness or swelling where you had the needle.

Some people get the flu despite having had the flu shot — why should I bother?

While the flu vaccine is effective, there are things that affect how well it works. These include:

• your age
• your overall health
• the match between the vaccine and the flu viruses in your community

Unfortunately, the vaccine is not effective in absolutely every case. So, some people may still catch flu after having the flu shot.

Is it true that the flu vaccine can cause febrile seizures in young children?

A febrile seizure can happen in a child with a fever (high temperature). Febrile seizures affect up to 1 in 20 children aged between 6 months and 6 years old.

There have been rare cases of febrile seizures in young children after flu vaccination. But fever associated with having the flu causes more febrile seizures in children than flu shots.

Resources and support

Learn more about colds and flu. If you are feeling concerned about any symptoms of a cold or flu, see your doctor.

Visit the Department of Health website for more information on the flu vaccine or call the National Immunisation Information Line on 1800 671 811.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.