Flu shots: All you need to know about the influenza vaccine

Can I receive the COVID-19 and influenza jabs at the same time? Here’s what you need to know about juggling the vaccines.

The focus has all been on the coronavirus vaccine, but health authorities are urging Australians to make sure they are vaccinated against the flu. Here’s what you need to know.

Who should get the flu shot?

It’s recommended everyone aged 6 months and over gets the influenza vaccination.

When can I get it?

Flu season in Australia usually runs from June to September, peaking in August, so it is important to get your flu shot in April or May. Influenza vaccines through the NIP (National Immunisation Program) will become available in April 2021.

Australians are being urged to get vaccinated against the flu.

Where can I get it?

You can get your flu shot from a range of providers, including GPs, community health centres and some pharmacies.

Why should I get it?

Although most people who get the flu recover without lasting effects, the flu can be very serious in some people and may require them to be hospitalised. In some cases, it can even be fatal. It is not possible to predict who will be severely affected.

How often should I get it?

Once a year. Protection after vaccination is generally expected to last for a year. Optimal protection occurs in the first three to four months after vaccination.

How many doses have been ordered in Australia?

In total, 18.8 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines are expected to be available for the 2021 Australian influenza season, including over 9.4 million doses through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and state and territory government programs. This is up from 17.6 million available in 2020 and 13.2 million available in 2019.

Can I get it at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine?

No, experts have advised a two-week break is needed between the flu jab and the COVID shot. Getting an influenza vaccine on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended.

Vaccines will be available through the National Immunisation Program in April.

Which vaccine should I get first – influenza or COVID-19?

The influenza vaccine can be given before or after any dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. People in phase 1a of the COVID-19 vaccination program should receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them, and then receive their influenza vaccine. People in later phases for COVID-19 vaccination should receive their influenza vaccine as soon as it is available, and then receive their COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.

What impact has the coronavirus pandemic had on the flu season?

The seasonal pattern of influenza was different in 2020 due to a number of factors. Experts say it is not possible to predict what the 2021 influenza season will be like. The period of peak influenza circulation is typically June to September in most parts of Australia.

Can you get the influenza vaccine if you’re pregnant?

Yes, the influenza vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy and at any stage of pregnancy.