The 2025 influenza season has surged to unprecedented levels in the USA this year, with flu activity reaching its highest intensity in 15 years. As a result, we are anticipating a worse than average flu season in Australia this year. Below are our answers to seven key questions about the flu vaccine.
Who should have the flu shot?
It is difficult to predict who will catch influenza, let alone who will become seriously ill from it, and that’s why the Australian Government recommends every person older than six months has a flu vaccination every year. It not only helps protect you but those around you, particularly vulnerable people who can’t be vaccinated such as babies younger than six months and adults with low immunity.
When should I have the flu shot?
Flu season typically runs from June until September in most parts of Australia. However, influenza can occur year-round. With our immunity strongest and most effective for up to four months after we are vaccinated, between mid-April and the end of May is the ideal timing for the vaccination.
Deferring vaccination to the beginning of winter may result in greater immunity later in the season but may also result in missed opportunities for vaccination and lack of protection if the influenza season starts early.
As immunisation providers, we need to weigh up these factors for each person and balance them with the challenge of vaccinating large numbers of people in a short time.
Can I get the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
People can receive flu vaccines at the same time as, or separate to, most other vaccines, including whooping cough, RSV, shingles, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines.
Can I get the flu from the flu shot?
A definitive no. The flu vaccines used in Australia are ‘inactivated’ – as in they do not contain the live flu virus. While some people experience side effects from the flu shot that are similar to the early signs of the flu (eg: fever, tiredness, muscle aches), they usually go away on their own. The key thing to remember is any side effects are a positive sign as they show the vaccine is doing exactly what it’s designed to do – triggering an immune response.
Do I need a different vaccine if I’m a child, pregnant or elderly
Children, adults and pregnant women typically get the same vaccine but children under nine years of age who have not been vaccinated before will need two doses at least four weeks apart. The enhanced Fluad Quad vaccine is also available for people aged 65 and older.
Why should I bother getting the flu vaccine if there’s a chance I’ll still get the flu?
It’s true the vaccine is not effective in every case but it significantly reduces the risk of illness. Flu vaccination prevents illness in up to 60 per cent of healthy adults under than age of 65 and while most people who get the flu recover without lasting effects, it can cause hospitalisation and even death. It is impossible to predict who will be severely affected and getting the vaccine not only reduces your chances of getting the flu but its severity if you do.
Where I can get a flu shot?
Appointments are now open for booking at Sage Medical for both the free government and private flu vaccines.
Free flu vaccines are provided to people with higher risk of complications from flu including children aged six months to five years, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older, people with certain medical conditions, pregnant women and people aged 65 and older.
Everyone else needs to pay for a vaccine privately, the current fee for these being $20 at Sage Medical. To make your booking, please call 03 8606 3206, or click here to book online with Nurse Veronica.
