FLU SHOTS FAQ's
Who should have the flu shot?
The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months has 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 who are at risk of severe disease, such as:
babies, older people, pregnant women, people with chronic (long-term) health conditions
Why should I have the flu shot?
In Australia, influenza (the flu) is the most common illness that can be prevented with a vaccine. Some people have only a mild illness, but others can become seriously unwell when they have the flu. Even otherwise 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.
Most people should be vaccinated against the flu because it’s hard to know who will catch it and become very unwell. Vaccination gives you protection. It can:
stop you getting sick and prevent serious illness from the flu
protect your loved ones
When should I have the flu shot?
Vaccination is recommended each year before the flu season starts.
While it’s possible to get the flu at any time of year, cases in most parts of Australia are highest between June and September.
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.
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, these are:
children aged 6 months to 9 years old getting the flu shot for the first time
people getting the flu shot for the first time after a stem cell transplant, organ transplant or treatment called ‘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 each year. The flu vaccine is updated each year to provide protection from the current flu strains.
So, you need to get a flu shot every year to protect you from the current flu viruses.