What is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine helps protect you and the people around you from the influenza virus. It works by helping your immune system recognise and fight the virus if you are exposed to it.

Who should have the flu vaccine?

The Australian Government recommends that everyone aged 6 months and over should have the flu vaccine every year.

It is especially important to protect vulnerable people in the community, such as:

• babies and young children
• older people — 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• people who are pregnant
• people with chronic (long-term) health conditions

These people may have a higher chance of getting severe illness from the flu.

Why should I have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine helps to protect you and your family from serious illness caused by the flu.

Some people have only a mild illness from the flu, but others can become seriously ill. Even healthy people can get sick with the flu.

Some people who catch the flu need to go to hospital. It can be life-threatening.

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

Most people should be vaccinated against the flu because it spreads easily, and it's hard to know who will catch it and become very sick.

When should I have the flu vaccine?

It is best to get your flu vaccine each year before the flu season starts.

In most parts of Australia, flu infections are highest between June and September.

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

You can get the flu at any time of year.

It is never too late to get vaccinated, especially if you are travelling to other parts of Australia or overseas.

How many doses of the flu vaccine do I need?

Most people need one dose of the flu vaccine each year.

Some people need 2 doses that are 4 weeks apart, for example:

• children aged 6 months to 9 years old getting the flu vaccine for the first time
• people who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time after a stem cell transplant, an organ transplant or CAR T-cell therapy

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

You need a flu vaccine every year because the flu viruses change over time. Each year, different strains of flu viruses spread in the community. The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against these new virus strains.

Where can I get a flu vaccine?

You can get a flu vaccine at:

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

Do I need to pay for my flu vaccine?

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

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

States and territories may also offer free flu vaccines for other groups. Ask your doctor or check with your state or territory health department. If you are not eligible for free vaccination, you can choose to pay to get vaccinated.

Does everyone get the same flu vaccine?

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

All vaccines available for use in 2026 protect you against 4 strains of flu.

The flu vaccines available in Australia are not mRNA vaccines.

Are there special flu 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 your immune system's response to the vaccine
• high-dose flu vaccines

There are 2 enhanced flu vaccines available for older people:

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

Are there special vaccines for children?

Children can receive the flu vaccine through a nasal mist. The flu vaccine injection is also available.

The nasal mist vaccine is sprayed into both nostrils. It is a safe, effective and needle-free option. Side effects from this nasal spray vaccine are usually mild. They can include a runny or blocked nose, headaches and tiredness.

Millions of doses of this vaccine have been given to children in the United Kingdom and United States of America.

Some states and territories in Australia are giving the nasal mist vaccine for free to children aged 2 to 5 years. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

The nasal mist vaccine is also available to purchase for children aged 2 to 18 years. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

You can learn more about the nasal mist vaccine including if it's available where you live from the National Centre For Immunisation Research and Surveillance website.

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

Yes, you can still get the flu vaccine if you have an egg allergy. The flu vaccine is usually grown in chicken eggs. The amount of egg protein in the vaccine is tiny.

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) says both adults and children with an egg allergy and a history of anaphylactic reactions to eggs can be safely vaccinated against the flu.

The risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) after vaccination is very low. It is estimated to affect less than one person in every one million doses.

Research has shown that it is rare for people with an egg allergy to develop mild side effects after getting the flu vaccine, such as:

• itching and mild hives
• wheezing
• abdominal pain

If you are concerned, ask your doctor if you can get your vaccine at a primary care setting and be observed (watched) for 30 minutes after getting your vaccine.

You should not get the flu vaccine if you have had anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any flu vaccine.

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

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

In general, cell-based vaccines work as well as standard (egg-based) flu vaccines.

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

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

Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?

You cannot catch the flu from the flu vaccine.

Less than 1 in 10 people have side effects from the flu vaccine. Side effects can be like the early signs of the flu and may include:

• fever
• tiredness
• muscle aches

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

Other mild side effects from the flu vaccine include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.

Can I still get the flu after having a flu vaccine?

Each year, the flu vaccines protect against the most common strains of the virus.

Your age and overall health affect how well the flu vaccine works.

Getting the flu vaccine lowers your chance of flu. The vaccine also lowers your chance of getting pneumonia or ending up in hospital from the flu.

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

There have been rare cases of febrile seizures in young children after flu vaccination.

A febrile seizure is when a child suddenly gets a fever (high temperature).

Does the flu vaccine protect against COVID-19?

The flu vaccine does not protect you against COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Can I get the flu vaccine and other vaccines at the same time?

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time.

The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended if you are 18 years of age and over. The COVID-19 vaccine is only recommended for children aged 6 months to 17 years who have medical conditions that increase their chance of severe illness from COVID-19.

Your child can get their flu vaccine at the same time as they get their other recommended vaccines.

Resources and support

• Learn more about preventing the flu on the SA Health website.
• Read about the flu on the HealthyWA website.
• Visit the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's website for more information on the flu vaccine. You can also call the National Immunisation Information Line on 1800 671 811.
• Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

Languages other than English

• The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has translated their collection of resources about the flu into many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have published a factsheet and poster for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people on influenza vaccination.
• Watch a short video about the flu vaccine for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.