Some people may be eligible for a free flu vaccine as a part of the Australian Government's National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Eligible people for a free flu vaccine according to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) include:
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People aged 65 and older
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Pregnant women
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All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months or over
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People aged 6 months and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of complications from the flu
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Children 6mo to less than 5 years old
If you are eligible for a vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), you may need to confirm with your selected Blooms The Chemist pharmacy about their NIP vaccine stock availability.
Please note that there may be a service fee associated with a NIP vaccination.
The flu (influenza) is a contagious illness that impacts your respiratory system and is caused by a wide range of viruses. The influenza virus can be spread throughout the community in the following ways:
You can get the influenza virus by breathing in small droplets when someone whose infected coughs, sneezes or talks
You can also get the virus by touching surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching your face
You can further spread the influenza virus by touching a person or surface without washing your hands first
Getting the flu is common and it can affect people of all ages.
The best prevention against the flu is an annual vaccine*. Book yours today.
*Minimum age restrictions apply. Speak to your Pharmacist about the minimum age for child vaccinations. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (parent or guardian must bring photo ID as proof of guardianship).
What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects your nose, throat and sometimes lungs depending on the severity of the virus. It can affect people of all ages, and is usually spread by breathing in droplets from someone coughing or sneezing who has the virus1.
1Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu), accessed 30 January 2023
What are the symptoms of influenza (flu)?
The symptoms of influenza (flu) can include1:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Aching muscles
- Sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose
- Loss of appetite
- Sneezing
- Dry, chesty cough
1Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu), accessed 30 January 2023
When should I see a doctor about influenza (flu)?
Most people who are generally healthy may not need to see their doctor for the flu, but if you are at higher risk of serious illness, it’s important you visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Some people who may need to see the doctor while having the flu include1:
- Smokers
- Pregnant people
- People who have heart or kidney disease
- People who have Type 2 diabetes
- People who are very obese (have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher)
- People who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders
- People who have severe asthma, breathing problems or a lung disease
1Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu), accessed 30 January 2023
How can I avoid getting influenza (flu)?
Getting an influenza vaccine every year is recommended to avoid getting the flu1. You can get this vaccination from six months or older.
While the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it provides a higher level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those who do get influenza (flu).
Practising good hygiene, such as washing your hands and wearing a face mask, can also help to reduce your risk of getting influenza (flu)1.
1Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu), accessed 30 January 2023
What is the Influenza (flu) vaccine?
The influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of six months. However, it is particularly recommended for the following people:
- Adults over the age of 65
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Children aged six months to less than five years
- People with medical conditions that increase their risk of influenza, such as people with lung conditions or are immunocompromised
- Pregnant people
- Healthcare workers, carers and household contacts of people in high risk groups
- People who work in the aged care sector
- People who are travelling during the influenza season
There are age restrictions in some states. Please check with your Pharmacist before making an appointment to get your vaccine.
Can the vaccine give me influenza (flu)?
No, the influenza vaccine cannot give you influenza as it is not a live vaccine. A live vaccine means that there are traces of live virus in the vaccination to activate your immune system.
However, the influenza (flu) vaccine does not prevent you from getting the common cold. This means you may still come down with a cold during flu season despite getting your flu vaccine.
When should I have my vaccine (flu shot)?
You should get your influenza (flu) vaccine in April or May of each year, as this is before the beginning of flu season. Flu season generally starts between June and September.
Protection from influenza is expected to last for the whole season.
Is the vaccine free for me?
As part of the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), some people are eligible for a free flu vaccine, including:
- People aged 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months or over
- People aged 6 months and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of complications from the flu
- Children 6mo to less than 5 years old.
If you are eligible for a vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), you may need to confirm with your selected Blooms The Chemist pharmacy about their NIP vaccine stock availability. Please note that there may be a service fee associated with a NIP vaccination.
Do you accept corporate vouchers for flu vaccinations?
Blooms The Chemist has partnered with a number of corporations that pay for the flu vaccination for their employees.
If you have a voucher for the influenza vaccination, please make a booking online and bring you voucher with you to your appointment.
Your unique voucher code must be provided to the pharmacy at the time of the appointment to obtain the flu vaccination.
Please note that your voucher will not be accepted if you do not provide your unique voucher code at your flu vaccination appointment.