What should I know about the flu shot?

You may have questions about the influenza (flu) vaccine, such as:

• who should get it
• when to get it
• if there are any side effects

Here are answers to some often asked questions about flu shots.

Who should have the flu shot?

The Australian Government advises everyone over the age of 6 months to have a flu shot every year.

Getting vaccinated against the flu helps protect both you and the people around you.

It's particularly important to protect vulnerable people in the community, such as:

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

These people may have a higher chance of getting severe disease.

Why should I have the flu shot?

Vaccination helps to protect you and your family from serious illness caused by influenza (the flu).

Some people have only a mild illness from the flu, but others can become very sick. Even healthy people can get very 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's hard to know who will catch it and become very sick.

When should I have the flu shot?

Vaccination is recommended each year before the flu season starts.

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

In most parts of Australia flu infections are highest between June and September. But you can get the flu at any time of year.

But it's never too late to get vaccinated, especially if you are travelling to other parts of Australia or overseas.

How many doses of flu shot do I need?

You should have the flu shot every year. Most people only need one injection.

Some people need 2 shots, 4 weeks apart. This includes children aged 6 months to 9 years old getting the flu shot for the first time. It also includes people who are getting the flu shot for the first time after:

• a stem cell transplant
• an organ transplant
• CAR T-cell therapy

Why do I need a flu shot every year?

The strains of flu virus infecting people in the community can change. So, the flu vaccine must change as well.

The flu vaccine is updated each year to give protection against current flu strains.

So, you need to get a flu shot every year to protect you from the current flu viruses.

Where can I get a flu shot?

You can get a flu shot at:

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

Check whether you need to pay:

• for the vaccine
• a fee for the appointment

Do I need to pay for my flu vaccine?

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

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

States and territories may also offer free flu shots for other groups. Ask your doctor or check with your state or territory health department.

You can pay for the flu shot if you are not eligible for free vaccination.

Does everyone get the same flu vaccine?

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

All vaccines available for use in 2025 protect you against 4 strains of flu.

The flu vaccines available in Australia are not mRNA vaccines.

Are there special influenza 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 influenza 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

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

The influenza vaccine is typically grown in chicken's eggs. But 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 egg allergy can be safely vaccinated against the flu.

The risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) after vaccination is very low. It's estimated to affect less than 1 person in every 1 million doses.

It's also rare for people with egg allergy to experience side effects after getting the flu shot, such as:

• itching and mild hives
• wheezing
• vomiting
• abdominal pain

If you're concerned, ask your doctor if you can be observed (watched) for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine. Staff usually watch people for 15 minutes after vaccination.

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 influenza vaccine and is it better than egg-based vaccines?

Flucelvax Quad is the only 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?

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

Can the flu shot give me the flu?

You can't catch the flu from the flu shot. None of the flu vaccines used in Australia contain live flu virus. This means they can't give you the flu.

Less than 1 in 6 people have side effects from the flu shot. These 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 shot. They usually last for 1 to 2 days.

Other mild side effects from the flu vaccine include pain, redness or swelling where you had the needle.

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

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

There are things that affect how well the flu vaccine works, including your age and overall health.

Getting the flu vaccine lowers the chance of getting 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 can happen when a child suddenly gets a fever (high temperature).

But there are more cases of febrile seizures in children from having the flu.

Does the flu vaccine protect against COVID-19?

The flu vaccine won't 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.

However, the COVID-19 vaccine is only recommended for children aged 5 to 17 years with medical conditions that may increase their chance of becoming very sick from COVID-19.

Your child can get their flu shot at the same time as they get their other recommended shots.

Resources and support

Learn more about colds and flu. If you are feeling concerned about any symptoms of a cold or flu, see your doctor.

Find out more about staying safe form the flu in English and languages other than English.

Visit the Department of Health website for more information on the flu vaccine. You can also call the National Immunisation Information Line on 1800 671 811.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.