Flu Vaccinations

Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, primarily through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with these droplets—such as phones, door handles, or keyboards—and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms usually develop 1 to 3 days after exposure and may include fever, sore throat, dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, and extreme tiredness. In older adults, fever may be absent, and the flu may present instead as confusion, shortness of breath, or a worsening of existing chronic conditions.

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk of catching the flu and developing serious complications. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also helps safeguard those around you—especially vulnerable individuals like babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In Australia, flu season typically peaks between June and September, but vaccination is recommended as early as possible and can still be beneficial later, as the virus may circulate year-round. The flu vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause the flu. Some people may experience mild, short-term flu-like symptoms within 48 hours as their immune system responds to the vaccine.

For some individuals, vaccination may not be suitable. This includes:

• Patients experiencing a fever of 38.5°C or higher due to illness
• Those with compromised immunity caused by a medical condition or treatment
• Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis after a previous dose of the vaccine or one of its components
• Patients with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Those with bleeding disorders

If you are uncertain about whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you, we recommend consulting one of our GPs for further guidance.

Upon request you will be provided with a statement that includes:

• Name and date of birth
• All vaccine details
• Date and time of vaccination
• General Practice information
• Name of the nurse who administered the vaccination