Flu (influenza) is caused by a virus which is spread through the air by fluids produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with these fluids on surfaces or objects. The flu virus is highly contagious and symptoms are usually experienced 5 to 7 days after contact. Flu symptoms, which can last for weeks, are more severe than those associated with the common cold and include high fever, muscular aches and pains, headache, coughing and sore throat. It is estimated that each year, flu contributes to an average of 13,500 hospitalisations and 1,000 deaths among Australians aged over 50 years.

Vaccination is the best defence against the flu. The flu vaccine stimulates the body to make antibodies, which fight the influenza virus. If you have been vaccinated, when you come into contact with the influenza virus, your body is better prepared to quickly destroy the virus, which helps to prevent you from getting the flu. If you are unlucky enough to still get the flu, the vaccine reduces the severity of the virus. The flu can also worsen underlying medical conditions such as heart conditions, asthma and respiratory conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, impaired immunity and neuromuscular disease, giving these people an even higher risk of complications from the flu.

In addition to vaccination, good hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent flu and other illnesses from spreading. Practices such as; hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, binning tissues, sharing avoidance, and keeping surfaces clean.

In a March 2022 update, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released advice on the relative timing of administering influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine.

National Pharmacies is offering the flu vaccination service for people aged 5 years* and older. *Two doses of vaccine at least one month apart are recommended for children aged less than 9 years when getting influenza vaccine for the first time, to improve their immune response. If a child only received one influenza vaccine in their first year, they only require one each subsequent year.

National Pharmacies is providing a quadrivalent (4 strain) vaccine as part of their flu vaccination service.

Yes, we do. Find out more here.

No, a prescription is not required if you are having one of our qualified health professionals administer (inject) the vaccine to you in store.

Please check your eligibility here.

$19.99 for members

$24.99 for non-members

Yes, all of our pharmacies can vaccinate under the NIP. Vaccines come at no cost to the patient (covered by the government), however a small administration fee applies.

The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) recommended the following viruses for the 2023 southern hemisphere season quadrivalent influenza vaccines:

Egg-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines:

• an A/Sydney/5/2021 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
• an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
• a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus; and
• a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.

Cell- or recombinant-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines:

• an A/Sydney/5/2021 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
• an A/Darwin/6/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
• a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus; and
• a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.

Flu vaccinations are administered by a qualified Pharmacist immuniser and are only administered subject to a health assessment and consent prior to vaccination.

No, flu vaccines do not contain a live virus so cannot give you the flu. Some patients may, however, experience mild side effects that are similar to flu symptoms.

Yes. Immunity decreases over time and flu vaccination is needed each year to ensure you continue to be protected. The composition of the vaccine changes every year. Vaccination is recommended in Autumn (March-May) to allow time for immunity to be strengthened before the flu season starts.

Being fit and healthy does not protect you from the flu and it is still recommended that you get a flu vaccination.

National Pharmacies have walk in appointments available at selected stores, subject to the availability of the vaccine and our health professionals. However, it is highly recommended to book online.

No a Medicare is not required to obtain a flu vaccination.

You will be provided with a vaccination record detailing the date of vaccination, the brand and the batch number of the flu vaccine administered.

There are some people that the flu vaccination may not be suitable for. If you fall into one of the categories below, please contact your GP prior to receiving the flu vaccination.

• Patients who currently have an illness resulting in a fever greater than or equal to 38.5^oC
• People with a lowered immunity caused by either a medical condition or medical treatment.
• People who have had a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis following a previous dose of the vaccine in question, or to a component of the vaccine.
• Patient with a history of Guillian Barré syndrome
• Patient with a bleeding disorder
• Patients with severe chronic diseases

It is important that before receiving the vaccine you make sure to tell your immuniser if you (or your child):

• Are unwell (have a temperature over 38.5˚C)
• Have allergies to any other medications or substances
• Have had a serious reaction to any vaccine
• Have had a serious reaction to any component of the vaccine
• Have had a severe allergy to anything
• Have had an severe allergy reaction to eggs – the virus used in the vaccine is grown in eggs
• Are under six months of age
• Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome.

If you have any concerns at all as to whether the flu vaccine is right for you, please contact your GP before receiving the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine can cause a range of common side effects including:

• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
• Occasionally, an injection-site lump (nodule) that may last many weeks but needs no treatment
• Low-grade temperature (fever).

Common side effects following immunisation are usually mild and temporary (occurring only in the first few days after vaccination) and treatment is not usually required.

There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine. This is why you are advised to remain in the pharmacy for at least 15 minutes following vaccination in case further treatment is required. Apart from anaphylaxis, other extremely rare side effects include febrile convulsions in children.

If the side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried about yourself or your child’s condition after a vaccination, contact your GP immediately, or attend your nearest hospital emergency room or, if required, call 000.

For all enquiries related to bookings (i.e. making, rescheduling or cancelling a booking as well as booking times) please refer to our online booking portal here or contact the pharmacy in which you wish to receive your flu vaccination from. Walk in appointments may be available at selected stores. Please call your pharmacy to confirm.

Your personal information may be provided to a third party for the sole purpose of vaccine administration in accordance with our privacy policy. Click here to view our Privacy Policy.