Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is an immunisation that helps protect against infection with influenza viruses. It stimulates the immune system to recognise and fight the virus, reducing the risk of developing the flu and its potential complications.
2. Who should get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and older, especially those at higher risk of severe illness. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant people, individuals with chronic medical conditions, healthcare workers, and residents of aged-care facilities.
3. How does the flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine introduces components of the influenza virus, either inactivated virus or viral proteins, into the body without causing illness. The immune system responds by producing antibodies, which provide protection if the person is later exposed to the virus.
4. What types of flu vaccines are available?
There are several types, including inactivated (injectable) vaccines, live attenuated nasal spray vaccines, and high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines for older adults. The formulation may vary each year to match circulating flu strains.
5. Is the flu vaccine safe?
Yes, the flu vaccine is generally very safe. Most people experience only mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or mild fatigue. Serious side effects are rare.
6. How effective is the flu vaccine?
Effectiveness varies by season, age, and the match between the vaccine and circulating virus strains. On average, the vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness by 40–60% and significantly lowers the risk of severe disease, hospitalisation, and death.
7. When should I get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is usually given annually before the flu season begins. In Australia, this is typically between March and May, but vaccination at other times may still provide protection if flu is circulating.
8. Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, the injectable flu vaccine does not cause flu illness. Some people may experience mild side effects such as muscle aches or low-grade fever, which are signs that the immune system is responding.
9. Who should not get the flu vaccine?
People with a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine, including eggs in some formulations, or those who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine, should not receive it. People with moderate or severe illness should wait until recovery before being vaccinated.
10. What are the possible complications of influenza that vaccination helps prevent?
The flu vaccine helps prevent serious complications such as pneumonia, worsening of chronic medical conditions, hospitalisation, and in severe cases, death. It also reduces the risk of transmitting influenza to vulnerable individuals in the community.