Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu with our influenza vaccination services. At WholeLife, we offer convenient and effective flu vaccinations to keep you healthy during flu season.
Why Influenza (Flu) Vaccination is Important: Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, hospitalisation, and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Getting vaccinated against the flu is the best way to prevent illness and reduce the spread of influenza within the community.
The flu vaccination is funded under the National Immunisation Schedule (NIP) for children aged between 6 months and 5 years, all adults over the age of 65 years, pregnant women and special high risk patient groups. Some State and Territory governments may also fund an annual flu vaccination program for local residents. However, the flu vaccination is very affordable and accessible at your local WholeLife pharmacy.
The Benefits of Flu Vaccination:
- Disease Prevention: Flu vaccination reduces the risk of contracting the influenza virus and its associated complications, including pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Protection for Vulnerable Populations: Vaccination helps protect vulnerable populations, such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza.
- Community Immunity: By getting vaccinated, you contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as infants under six months of age or individuals with certain medical conditions.
- Reduced Healthcare Burden: Flu vaccination reduces the burden on our healthcare systems by preventing flu-related hospitalisations and outpatient visits, thereby conserving medical resources for those who need them most.
Don’t wait until flu season is in full swing—schedule your flu vaccination at WholeLife today to protect yourself and your community from the flu.
Stay healthy, stay protected.
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WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods offers a comprehensive vaccination service.
Please contact your local WholeLife to book this vaccine.
FAQs
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone from 6 months of age and older. It is particularly important for individuals at higher risk of flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions.
When is the best time to get vaccinated against the flu?
The flu vaccine is typically available before the start of flu season, which can vary but often begins in the March or April (in Australia). It's best to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available to ensure optimal protection before and during peak times of each flu season, where outbreaks are likely to occur within your community.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. The flu vaccine contains either inactivated virus particles or a weakened form of the virus that cannot cause illness. Some people may experience mild side effects after vaccination, such as soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever, but these symptoms are short-lived and not typical of flu symptoms.
How long does flu vaccination provide protection?
The flu vaccine provides protection throughout the flu season, but immunity may wane over time. It's recommended to get vaccinated annually to ensure ongoing protection, as the flu virus strains may change from year to year.
Are there any side effects of the flu vaccine?
Most people experience no side effects from the flu vaccine. However, mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches may occur in some individuals, which are short-lived and can be relieved with over-the-counter medications. Serious side effects are rare. Our pharmacists are readily available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Are you sure I'm not too late to get my flu vaccination?
It’s never too late! Although peak flu season is between June and August, it’s possible to catch the flu all year round. Everyone aged 6 months and over can get the flu vaccination.
If I got a flu vaccination last year, do I need to get another one for this year?
Yes! The composition of the influenza vaccines is updated each year to ensure your protection against the most prevalent virus strains seen in recent outbreaks around the world. Receiving the flu vaccination not only protects yourself and others around you from getting the flu but also reduces your chances of being infected simultaneously with the flu and COVID-19.
If I have had a COVID-19 vaccination can I still have a flu vaccination?
You certainly can! You can receive your COVID-19 vaccine on the same day as influenza and other vaccines if you are aged 5 years and older. If you have recently received your COVID-19 vaccine and feel unsure about getting your flu vaccine, speak to your pharmacist to discuss your options and when you feel most comfortable receiving your flu vaccination.
Won’t the COVID-19 vaccination prevent me from getting the flu?
No – the COVID-19 vaccination will only protect you against the COVID-19 virus. Although the flu and COVID-19 are both viral infections, they are not the same. This is why it’s important to get both vaccinations if eligible.
