Fight the Flu

The Australian Government recommends everyone over the age of 6 months old receive a flu vaccination each year.³
The flu can affect people of all ages, however, flu vaccination is particularly recommended for:

• children aged 6 months to <5 years
• adults aged ≥65 years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• people with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza
• homeless people
• pregnant women
• healthcare workers, carers and household contacts of people in high-risk groups
• residents, staff, volunteers and visitors to aged care and long-term residential facilities
• commercial poultry and pork industry workers
• people who provide essential community services
• people who are travelling during the flu season

Avoid the flu shot if you:

• Are under 6 months of age.
• Have life-threatening allergies to vaccine components like gelatin or antibiotics.
• Have a severe egg allergy unless you opt for an egg-free, cell-based version. (Speak to your pharmacist for details).

Certain flu vaccines are government-funded for eligible people under the National Immunisation Program and state based free flu programs.
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides a free flu vaccination to the following eligible Medicare card holders:

• People aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• People with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza:
  • cardiac disease
  • chronic respiratory conditions
  • immunocompromising conditions
  • haematological disorders
  • chronic metabolic disorder
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic neurological condition
  • long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years.|

    Your health professional can advise if you or your child have a specified medical risk condition. Learn more via Immunisation for people with medical conditions.

• Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years.
  *Minimum age requirements apply for pharmacy vaccination and vary by state.

In some states and territories, flu vaccines may also be provided for free to other people not listed above. Speak to your local Amcal pharmacist or contact your state or territory Department of Health to find out

Age requirements for flu vaccinations in pharmacies vary depending on your state or territory. Currently, the minimum age requirements are as follows:

• NSW & TAS: 2 years and older
• QLD & SA: No minimum age
• All other states and territories: 5 years and older

If your child is younger than the minimum age for your state, they will need to receive their flu vaccination from a GP or other primary healthcare provider.

Present your voucher to the pharmacist at check-in. If booking online, the voucher code is not required at the time of booking but please bring it with you in store to claim your free service. Please note that a unique voucher code is required per person.

Multiple flu vaccine formulations are available in Australia, including the standard trivalent, a cell‑based formulation and a high‑dose flu vaccine tailored for those over 60 years. Other options include an adjuvanted (enhanced) vaccine that is suitable for people over 50 and is free for people aged over 65 on the National Immunisation Program. A needle free option is also available for children aged 2-17 years.

Your Amcal pharmacist is always available to assist with any questions you may have and to discuss your options with you.

Most people who get the flu will recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications as a result of the flu.
These could include:

• Bronchitis
• Ear infection
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart wall)
• Myositis (inflammation and damage to muscle fibres)
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the saclike tissue around the heart)
• Pneumonia
• Sinus infection

Speak with your local Amcal pharmacist for more information

Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines are updated every year. Your immunity against flu viruses also wanes over time. Getting vaccinated against the flu every year provides you with the best protection against the most recent and common circulating flu strains.²

The best time to get the vaccination is before the start of the flu season (typically flu season is between June and September), as optimal protection occurs in the first three to four months after getting the shot. It is best to plan and get the flu vaccine a couple of months prior to the expected beginning of flu season, typically at the end of April or early May. However, it is never too late to vaccinate since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.³

Speak to your Amcal pharmacist if you are unsure or if you require more information.

On the day of your appointment, please:

• Bring photo ID
• Bring your Medicare card (if you have one)
• Wear clothing that makes it easy for the pharmacist to access your upper arm for vaccination.

You can get a flu vaccination at any time before or after, or with most other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. Ask your Amcal pharmacist which other vaccinations you can add to your flu vaccination appointment.

The influenza vaccination can cause side effects. Common side effects may include:

• Localised pain, redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Low-grade fever

These symptoms usually resolve within two days, but if you have any concerns, please speak to your Amcal pharmacist.

Please note the pharmacist who administers your vaccine will require you to stay for 15 minutes after your vaccination to monitor you for any immediate allergies or side effects.

Both the flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, although they are caused by different viruses. The two illnesses share similar symptoms, such as runny or blocked nose, sore throat, coughing, fever, headache, and fatigue, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Influenza symptoms are generally worse than the common cold.

People with colds are likely to experience symptoms that do not result in other serious health complications. Flu, on the other hand, can lead to pneumonia, other bacterial infections, or other serious complications.

A variety of non-prescription medicines can help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Some cold and flu medicines are not suitable for young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with other medical conditions or taking other medications. Always consult with your Amcal pharmacist for advice before taking any medication. Medicines that can help relieve cold and flu symptoms include:

• Decongestants: Helpful for a blocked nose. Available as syrups, tablets, sprays, and drops.
• Antihistamines: May help to relieve runny nose, sneezing, and dry cough
• Cough suppressants: Can relieve dry cough, but should not be used for ‘chesty’ cough
• Expectorants & Mucolytics: Help loosen and thin mucus in the nose, sinuses, and airways
• Fever and pain relievers: Known to relieve headache, sore throat, aches, and fever (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen)
• Medicated inhalations: Help to clear a blocked nose (e.g. menthol, eucalyptus)
• Lozenges & gargles: Help to relieve a sore throat
• Saline (saltwater): May help loosen and remove mucus in the nose and sinus.
• Complementary medicines: Boost the immune system and reduce the severity of symptoms (e.g. vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea)

Most people who are generally healthy will not need to see their doctor for the flu. Their immune system will fight the infection and their symptoms will usually clear up on their own.

See your doctor if you have any concerns or are in a high-risk group for severe infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• sudden dizziness
• confusion/disorientation
• severe vomiting
• fever combined with a rash