Flu Vaccine in Australia: How, When & Why to Get Vaccinated
, by Tatianna Gerard, 14 min reading time
With the ongoing presence of respiratory illnesses, it’s not always easy to tell whether you’re coming down with Influenza A, Influenza B, or even COVID-19. Thankfully, 3-in-1 antigen test kits are now available in Australia, offering quick and convenient testing to help you identify the culprit behind your symptoms.
For some, the flu may only mean a few days of discomfort, but for others—especially the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems—it can lead to severe complications and even hospitalisation. These high-risk groups require extra protection during flu season, making vaccination a key line of defence.
So, should you get a flu vaccine?
The decision to get a flu vaccine is ultimately a personal choice, but it is highly recommended by healthcare professionals. Leading health organisations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), advise that most individuals—especially those at higher risk—receive an annual flu vaccine to protect against severe illness.
Here are some of the key benefits of getting vaccinated against the flu:
✔️ Reduces the risk of contracting influenza – While no vaccine is 100% effective, it significantly lowers your chances of getting the flu.
✔️ Lessens symptom severity and illness duration – Even if you do catch the flu, being vaccinated can help reduce the intensity and length of the illness.
✔️ Prevents flu-related complications and hospitalisations – This is especially important for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
✔️ Contributes to herd immunity – A high vaccination rate within the community limits the spread of the virus, offering indirect protection to those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons or weakened immune systems.
How does the flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies, which are specialised proteins that recognise and neutralise specific pathogens. In the case of the flu vaccine, the antibodies primarily target the HA protein. These antibodies are specific to the strains of influenza viruses included in the vaccine.
In addition to antibody production, the flu vaccine also activates other components of the immune system, such as T cells. T cells are responsible for recognising and destroying infected cells, further enhancing the immune response against the flu virus.
Once your immune system has been primed by the vaccine, it "remembers" the specific viral components and can mount a rapid and robust defence if you come into contact with the corresponding influenza strains. This memory response allows your immune system to quickly recognise and attack the virus, reducing the severity and duration of illness if you do get infected.
There are two main types of flu vaccines available:
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Inactivated flu vaccines: These vaccines contain killed influenza viruses. They are typically given by injection (flu shot) and are approved for individuals aged 6 months and older. The flu vaccines available in Australia do not contain live viruses and cannot cause the flu.
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Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV): This is a nasal spray vaccine that contains weakened live influenza viruses. It is approved for use in healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 years who are not pregnant. The live viruses in LAIV are modified to be less able to cause illness but still stimulate the immune system.
It's important to note that the flu vaccine is updated each year to target the most prevalent strains of influenza viruses expected during the flu season. Influenza viruses are known for their ability to change rapidly through a process called antigenic drift and occasionally through antigenic shift. These changes allow the virus to evade the immune system and cause new outbreaks each year. Therefore, even if you received a flu vaccine in previous years, it is still recommended to get vaccinated annually to ensure you have protection against the most current strains (especially when reinfection is possible with the Influenza A viruses).
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is generally recommended for most individuals, including children and adolescents, adults, pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, older adults aged 65 years or over, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Age is an important factor to consider when it comes to flu vaccination because it influences both the risk of flu-related complications and the response to the vaccine. Different age groups have varying levels of susceptibility to severe illness and may benefit from different vaccine formulations or dosages.
| Types of Vaccine | Approved Ages |
| VaxiGrip Tetra | ≥6 months |
| Fluad Quad | ≥65 years |
| Flucelvax Quad | ≥5 years |
Disclaimer: Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to assess individual circumstances and determine the appropriateness of flu vaccination.
Are the flu vaccines free for Australians?
In Australia, influenza vaccines are available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for certain eligible groups. This means that while not everyone gets the flu vaccine for free, specific groups of people at higher risk of complications can access it at no cost through participating healthcare providers.
The 2025 flu vaccines available under the NIP are allocated based on age groups, ensuring individuals receive the most suitable vaccine for their needs.
The NIP provides free flu vaccines for:
✔️ Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
✔️ Adults aged 65 years and older
✔️ Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
✔️ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (from 6 months of age and older)
✔️ Individuals with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of severe flu complications
Flu vaccines available under the NIP
The table below outlines the 2025 influenza vaccines funded under the NIP by age group:
| Registered Age Group | Vaxigrip Tetra | Flucelvax Quad | Fluad Quad |
| Less than 6 months old: | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 6 months to under 5 years: | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 5 to 64 years old: | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 65 years old and over: | ✔ | ✔ | ✅ |
Source: NSW Health
Notes:
- ❌ Not available
- ✅ Funded under NIP
- ✔ Available but not NIP-funded
Can you get the flu vaccine when sick?
In general, it is recommended to wait until you have recovered from an illness before receiving the flu vaccine. The reasons for this recommendation include:
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Vaccine efficacy: The immune response generated by the flu vaccine may be less effective if your immune system is already compromised by an ongoing illness. Waiting until you have recovered allows your immune system to respond optimally to the vaccine.
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Symptom differentiation: The flu vaccine can cause mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches. If you are already experiencing these symptoms due to an ongoing illness, it can be difficult to distinguish between vaccine side effects and symptoms of the illness itself.
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Avoiding the spread of illness: Going to a healthcare setting to receive the flu vaccine while you are sick may expose others to your illness. It is considerate to avoid exposing healthcare workers and other individuals who may be at the healthcare facility for unrelated reasons.
How long does flu vaccine immunity last?
The duration of flu vaccine immunity can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including the specific strains of the flu virus circulating in a given season and individual immune response. Generally, flu vaccine immunity lasts for about 6 months, though there is a chance that your immunity can start to wane after a few months if you get it too early.
When should you get a flu shot in Australia?
The best time to get your flu vaccine in Australia is from April onwards, giving your body time to develop immunity before the peak flu season hits between June and September. Flu vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) generally become available in April, but availability may vary depending on your location and healthcare provider. To find out when you can receive your flu shot, check with your GP, pharmacist, or local health service.
For maximum protection, it’s recommended to get vaccinated before flu season starts, as the strongest immune response occurs within the first three to four months following vaccination. However, if you miss the early window, it’s never too late to get vaccinated—influenza viruses can circulate year-round, and any level of protection is better than none.
Pregnant women are also encouraged to receive a flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, as it helps protect both the mother and baby from flu-related complications.
What are the possible side effects from the flu shot?
The flu shot is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving on their own within a few days. Common side effects of the flu shot can include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site: This is the most common side effect and usually resolves within a day or two.
- Low-grade fever: Some individuals may experience a slight increase in body temperature following vaccination. This is a normal immune response and is generally short-lived.
- Muscle aches and fatigue: Some people may experience muscle soreness or general fatigue as a mild side effect of the vaccine.
Serious side effects from the flu shot are rare. However, it's important to be aware of potential signs of an allergic reaction, which can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Hives or rash
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or weakness
If you experience any severe or persistent symptoms after receiving the flu shot, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate details, influenza vaccination recommendations, availability, and eligibility criteria may change based on government health guidelines and individual healthcare provider policies.
All information in this blog is based on research conducted by our team, using credible government sources and other reputable organisations to ensure accuracy.
For personalised medical advice, including whether the flu vaccine is suitable for you, consult your GP, pharmacist, or a qualified healthcare professional. If you have specific concerns regarding vaccine eligibility, side effects, or availability, always seek guidance from trusted healthcare providers.
