Corporate Care is passionate about protecting everyone's health by minimising the spread of disease. Our Flu Vaccine FAQ aims to provide the public with important information and increase flu awareness.
Here's to a better understanding of flu vaccinations:
Annual flu shots reduce your likelihood of catching the seasonal flu as well as the severity of flu symptoms if you do get infected.
People aged 6 months and up, and anyone who wishes to lessen their chances of getting sick with the flu and minimise the risk of spreading the disease to others.
More and more companies are offering free shots to their employees during annual flu vaccinations or wellness programs. The seasonal flu vaccine is also given for free and strongly recommended to high-risk groups as part of Australia's National Immunisation Program.
Since 2015, the flu vaccine is administered for free to Aboriginal children aged 6 months to 5 years old. They are at greater risk of serious illness, complications and are more likely to die from the flu than non-indigenous children.
You can visit your local GP or local chemist to get your flu shot. You can also get flu vouchers from us and book your influenza appointment at any of our vaccination partners.
You can get your flu shot at your local GP. Low-cost flu shots are also provided by local council clinics and chemists such as Terry White and Priceline. Many businesses in Australia and New Zealand organise workplace flu vaccinations programs in April and May.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $12 to $30 for a flu vaccine. For more information, contact your local pharmacy, doctor, or council clinic. It is also a common practice in Australia and New Zealand for Companies to organise corporate flu vaccinations for their entire workforce.
A timely vaccination would be right before the flu season, which begins during Autumn's transition months (March/April/May).
It's recommended that you get vaccinated every year to stay protected against the different kinds and most recent flu strains. Even if it's found that main flu strains haven't changed for the current year, getting the flu shot is still recommended to protect yourself and those around you.
In general, the flu shot effectiveness has been found to vary between 30-60%. This implies that, on average, someone getting the flu jab is 30-60% less likely to develop influenza than someone who is not getting the injection against the flu.
Like vaccine effectiveness, it's a fact that no vaccine is 100% safe. Flu vaccines are comprised of inactive (killed) viruses such that they cannot possibly give you the flu.
Flu-like symptoms may show up to 48 hours after receiving a flu shot but tend to be mild. For people with allergies or who have concerns about flu vaccine side effects, it's advisable to discuss the matter with their trusted doctor or immunisation provider. Immunisation Nurses have the proper training to screen for allergic reactions before vaccine administration and also deal with any Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI)
Yes. A flu jab is recommended across all stages of pregnancy without putting pregnant women or their babies at risk. The safety of the seasonal flu vaccine is less concerning than getting sick along the way.
Same when taking any medication, unexpected reactions to the flu vaccine may develop in some people.
Common side effects of the seasonal flu shot include:
- headache or muscle aches
- low-grade temperature
- tiredness or drowsiness
- feeling unwell in general
The following may develop at the injection site:
- a temporary small lump
- pain, redness and swelling
Severe allergic reactions are infrequent and bound to occur within 15 minutes upon getting vaccinated. Vaccine providers will typically advise you to stay put during this time, inform you of potential side effects, and what to do should you react.
Side effects, if at all experienced, are minor and short-lived. Mild reactions show within 6-12 hours and usually resolve on their own without any need for treatment.
Infants and children who develop a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius can be given paracetamol if not contraindicated (please seek medical advice). If high temperatures persist, call your doctor or seek medical assistance.
When unsure or greatly concerned about post-vaccination symptoms you or your child may be experiencing, call:
-Healthdirect Australia for 24-hour health information advice on 1800 022 222
-Your doctor for advice or seek immediate medical attention
-An ambulance by phoning 000 or go directly to your closest Emergency Department
Report any adverse event you or your child may experience after getting the flu vaccine to:
ACT: ACT Health Department - 026205 2300
NSW: Connect to your local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 066 055
NT: NT Department of Health - 08 8922 8044
QLD: Queensland Health - 07 3328 9888 or complete an AEFI initial report at the Queensland Government - Immunisation website
SA: Immunisation Section, SA Department of Health - 1300 232 272
TAS: Direct to TGA - 1800 044 114
VIC: SAEFVIC - 03 9345 4143
WA: WAVSSS central reporting service - 08 9321 1312
No. Anyone who's suffered severe and immediate allergic reactions to the flu vaccine should not get vaccinated again. If unsure, discuss first with your doctor or immunisation provider.
Aitor is a Registered Nurse (AHPRA registration NMW0001159845) with over 19 years experience in General Nursing, Emergency Nursing and Corporate Health. He loves Flu, works with Flu, studies Flu, writes about Flu and ironically, he’s had the Flu.
He is the Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care and a proud member of the Australian National Padel Team.