Getting a yearly flu vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu.1
Vaccination, before the peak flu season starts in June, is recommended for all people over 6 months of age.2
Our Amcal pharmacists are trained experts in administering the flu vaccine and will be able to discuss all options available to you, including whether you are eligible for a free flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program3. Book your flu shot today or simply speak to our pharmacist if you are uncertain about the options available for you and your family.
National Immunisation Program (NIP)
The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides a free flu vaccination to the following eligible Medicare card holders4:
People aged 65 and older
Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
People aged 6 months and older with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of severe influenza and its complications
Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years old (not available in pharmacy)
Your local Amcal pharmacist can discuss the free flu vaccination options available to you.*
Influenza is a viral disease that causes widespread illness every year. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you and others from serious diseases caused by influenza.5
By getting vaccinated against influenza, you can also help protect other people, especially people who are cannot be vaccinated such as children under 6 months. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.
If you think you have the flu, try to rest, maintain good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms. It is also important to get tested for COVID-19 and stay home until you receive your results. Speak with your Amcal pharmacist about the right prevention and treatment options for you
For more information about the flu, vaccinations and how to keep well and stay well, speak to your Amcal pharmacist
The flu vaccination is recommended for for all people over 6 months of age. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you and others from serious diseases caused by influenza.5
By getting vaccinated against influenza, you can also help protect other people, especially people who are cannot be vaccinated such as children under 6 months. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.
If you think you have the flu, try to rest, maintain good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms. Speak with your Amcal pharmacist about the right prevention and treatment options for you.
Flu Vaccination Consultations with Amcal
Your flu vaccination consultation involves:
Flu vaccine administration (minimum vaccination age varies by pharmacy – please check with your local Amcal pharmacist)
Prevention and lifestyle advice on how to avoid catching the flu, cold, and COVID-19 .
Tips on how to get well and stay well if you catch the flu.
Certain flu vaccines are funded by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and State Governments for eligible people. Your local Amcal pharmacist can discuss the flu vaccination options available to you.
What are the different types of flu vaccines currently available in Australia?
Multiple flu vaccine formulations are available in Australia, including the standard quadrivalent, a cell‑based formulation, a high‑dose flu vaccine tailored for those over 60 years and an adjuvanted (enhanced) vaccine for people aged over 65 years. It is important to get the right vaccine for your age.4 Your Amcal pharmacist is always available to assist with any questions you may have and to discuss your options with you.
What are the complications associated with the flu?
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 infection1
Why is it important to get a flu vaccine every year and when is the best time to get it?
Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines are updated every year. Additionally, your immunity against flu viruses wanes over time. Getting vaccinated against the flu every year provides you the best protection against the most recent and common circulating flu strains. 6
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. The best time is 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.5
Speak to your Amcal pharmacist if you are unsure or if you require more information.
Can I receive a flu vaccine and other vaccines (e.g. COVID-19 vaccine) on the same day?
You can get flu vaccines 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 vaccine appointment.
What are the possible side effects of the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine 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.
In some instances, there may also be a risk of other side effects such as fainting. If you have Guillain-Barre syndrome, there may be a risk of neurological symptoms.4 If either of these is relevant for you, please inform your Amcal pharmacist before your vaccine.
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.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
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.
What medications should I take for the flu?
A variety of non-prescription medicines can help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Some cold and flu medicines are not suitable for young children or pregnant/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 (salt-water): 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)
I think I have the flu – should I see my doctor?
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.6
Whilst most people won’t need a visit to the doctor if they catch the flu, it is important to remember that if you are experiencing any flu‑like symptoms, get tested for COVID-19 and stay home until you receive your results. Speak to your Amcal pharmacist about the right prevention and treatment options for you.
