Flu Vaccine

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Flu season text in frame. Background warm woolen clothes, cup of hot tea.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Anyone over the age of 6 months can have the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is free for people who are considered to be at greater risk of complications from the flu:

  • In Victoria, the following people are eligible to receive a free seasonal influenza vaccine:
  • all children aged six months to less than five years (Victorian state funded program)
  • all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged from six months
  • all adults aged 65 years and over
  • all people aged from six months with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza; for example, sever asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes
  • pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)

The vaccination is also recommended (although may not be free), for those who are in close contact with people with weakened immune systems who may be less able to fight off the flu or who are at high risk of complications from the flu.

What about side effects?

Like all medicines, the flu vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects What should I do?
Pain, swelling, or redness around the injection site This is quite common after having the vaccination.It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days.
Place a cold, wet cloth, or ice pack where the injection was given.
Leave it on for a short time.
Do not rub the injection site.
Tell your doctor if troublesome.
Fever It is quite common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the injection and usually settles within a few days.
Dress lightly, with a single layer of clothing.
Do not wrap your child in a blanket.
Keep the room cool, use a fan.Drink plenty of fluids.
The routine use of paracetamol is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used if your child is miserable or distressed.
Tell your doctor if the fever persists.
Feeling unwell, tired or weak
Loss of appetite
Muscle ache
Headache		 These are quite common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the injection.
It usually settles within a few days.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
The routine use of paracetamol is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used for relief of severe discomfort.
Tell your doctor if troublesome.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or have problems breathing Allergic reactions to influenza vaccine are very rare.
If you develop these signs within a few days of the immunisation, tell your doctor immediately or ring 000


Where can I get vaccinated?

You can get the flu vaccine from our highly trained doctors and nurses. The 2021 flu vaccine is now available at Mount Waverley Clinic. Call the clinic to book your vaccine 9807 9911