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 Amcal pharmacists are trained experts in administering flu vaccinations. 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.
Book in a Flu Vaccination for your best defence against the flu.
The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection caused by the influenza virus.1 The virus affects the nose, sinuses, throat, airways, and lungs, causing a range of symptoms from mild, that resolve within a few days, to life-threatening complications. The flu can affect people of all ages, especially those most at risk such as babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. Flu viruses are spread when respiratory secretions pass from an infected person to someone else through touching, coughing, and sneezing.3
There are different strains of influenza viruses, and they change every year. 4 Because influenza viruses evolve so quickly, strains within flu vaccines are updated each flu season. The Australian Government recommends getting the flu vaccine annually to safeguard yourself and prevent the spread of the most common circulating strains of the flu virus.5
The flu is not to be mistaken for the common cold or COVID-19. Although it often exhibits similar symptoms, such as runny nose, fever, sore throat, and headache, it is important to remember that the flu vaccine does not protect against the common cold or COVID-19.6
When is the flu season?
The flu season is a period characterised by the prevalence of an influenza (flu) outbreak. The season occurs during the cold half of the year in each hemisphere. This is because the virus survives better in cold weather, and people tend to be indoors in closer contact, which increases the chance of it passing from person to person.
Flu seasons vary in severity and duration from year to year. In a year of high influenza activity, it is estimated that the flu can contribute to more than 3,300 deaths in Australia.6 The flu season is usually between June and September.3
Amcal pharmacies are committed to slowing the spread of influenza in their communities. As Australia’s most trusted pharmacy brand, Amcal leads the way with safe, secure, and private flu vaccination and consultation services.
Identifying the Flu
Flu can cause mild to severe illness, which can at times lead to hospitalisation and even death.6 Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Flu symptoms are similar to cold symptoms but are usually more severe and last longer. A high fever occurs more commonly with the flu than with a cold, and it often appears before other symptoms.
Because symptoms of the flu, colds and COVID-19 are similar, testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis. If you or a loved one experiences flu-like symptoms, it is time to get tested, stay home, and stop the spread.
About our Flu Vaccination program at Amcal
Protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza with Amcal’s comprehensive flu vaccination program. A timely flu vaccine is your best defence against the flu, particularly as the flu season approaches in June. Recommended for all Australians over 6 months of age, our program is administered by trained pharmacists, experts in flu vaccine delivery.
At Amcal, your health is our priority. With our reliable flu vaccine services, we aim to help protect our community from the seasonal flu. Book your vaccination today and take a proactive step towards a healthier season for you and your loved ones.
What our Flu Vaccination consultation includes:
Flu Vaccine Administration: Available for anyone over the age of 10, ensuring broad community protection.
Prevention and Lifestyle Advice: Tips on how to avoid catching the flu, colds, and COVID-19, promoting overall respiratory health.
Recovery Guidance: Practical advice on how to get well and stay well if you do catch the flu.
Book Your Flu Vaccination: Don’t wait – book your flu vaccination with us today for your best defence against the flu season.
Stay ahead of the Flu with Amcal’s Vaccination services
At Amcal, we’re dedicated to helping you and your family stay healthy, especially during flu season. Our comprehensive flu vaccination services are designed to provide you with effective protection against influenza.
Effortless Flu Vaccine booking
Flu Vaccine Booking: Simplify your health routine with our easy-to-use flu vaccine booking system. Schedule your vaccination at a time that suits you, ensuring minimal disruption to your busy life.
Flu Vaccine: With the latest flu vaccines available, we offer a quick and efficient way to get vaccinated, reducing your chances of catching the flu and spreading it to others.
Understanding the Flu
The flu, or influenza, is more than just a severe cold. It’s a respiratory viral infection that can affect the entire body, with symptoms ranging from mild to potentially life-threatening. It’s a highly contagious virus, spreading through respiratory secretions via touch, coughs, and sneezes.
Flu viruses are constantly evolving, leading to different strains each year. This rapid evolution means that flu vaccines are updated annually to match these changes. Health professionals, therefore, recommend getting a flu vaccine every year to ensure effective protection and to help prevent the spread of the virus.
It’s crucial to distinguish between the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19. While they share similar symptoms, the flu is a distinct respiratory illness, and the flu vaccine specifically targets influenza viruses, not other respiratory infections.
Stay ahead of the flu this season with Amcal’s expert flu vaccine program. Get vaccinated, stay protected, and keep those around you safe.
Offering a wide range of vaccinations at Amcal
Amcal is dedicated to keeping you and your family healthy and protected with our extensive range of vaccination services. Our commitment goes beyond just seasonal flu shots; we offer a comprehensive suite of vaccinations for various health needs.
Comprehensive vaccination services
Travel Vaccination: Planning a trip abroad? Our travel vaccination services ensure you’re safeguarded against potential health risks specific to your destination. Keep your travel plans safe and healthy with the necessary immunizations.
COVID Vaccination: In these unprecedented times, staying up-to-date with your COVID vaccinations is more important than ever. Our clinics offer COVID-19 vaccines, contributing to the global effort in combating the pandemic. Read Less
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of flu may include:
Sudden appearance of a high fever (38°C or more)
Chills
Aching behind the eyes
Runny/blocked nose
Sore throat
Sneezing
Coughing
Headache
Weakness and lethargy
Loss of appetite
Aching muscles and joints
Timeline of symptoms
Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat, and sometimes a stuffy nose.
Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough, and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired or flat.
Day 8: Symptoms decrease. Cough and tiredness may last one to two weeks or more.
Prevention – how to avoid catching and spreading the flu
The tips below will help you learn about actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs:
Avoid close contact: Keep your distance from others when you feel sick and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
Stay home: Stay home from work, school, and non-essential outings if you feel unwell or have confirmed infection without symptoms.
Cover when coughing or sneezing: If you feel a cough or sneeze is coming on, make sure to cough or sneeze into a clean tissue and dispose of the tissue straight away, or into your elbow. Coughing and sneezing are the primary means of transmission of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses.
Wash your hands: Keep your hands free from germs by washing with soap and hot water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes: Germs have easy access to infect your body via the eyes, mouth, and nose.
Get into healthy habits: Establish cleaning and disinfecting routines at home, work, and school. This is particularly important when someone is ill, or a virus is in the air.
Boost your immune system: There are a number of herbs, vitamins, and minerals that can help boost your immune system, like vitamin C, andrographis, echinacea, garlic, and zinc as found in many immune defence supplements. These ingredients may also help improve cold and flu symptoms.9
Get vaccinated: A flu vaccine will offer protection against the flu by helping train your immune system to make antibodies to fight the influenza virus.10
Treatment for allergies
Medicines
In most cases, over-the-counter medications will provide symptom relief until your body’s immune system fights off the virus. Medicines that can help include:
Antibiotics are not effective against the flu because influenza is a virus, and antibiotics fight bacteria. However, your doctor may prescribe them if you develop a bacterial infection on top of the flu.6 Antiviral medications may be prescribed by doctors to help shorten the length and severity of illness for people at high risk of complications. Ask your Amcal pharmacist for advice and more information about how to manage your symptoms. Take advantage of our online ordering and home delivery services so you can rest at home and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Self-management
Get plenty of sleep and rest, this helps your immune system fight infection.
Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and prevent dehydration.
Breathe in steam (e.g., from inhalations, vaporizers, showers, baths) to loosen mucus.
Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables that a high in vitamin C – this will help to boost your immune system and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Avoid cigarette smoke – it can make symptoms worse.
Make sure you have sufficient supply of your regular medications and health essentials while staying at home. We’re here to help you get what you need delivered straight to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get a flu vaccination?
The Australian Government recommends everyone over the age of 6 months old receive a flu vaccination each year.2
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 influenza season 4
Who is eligible to receive the free flu vaccine?
Certain flu vaccines are government-funded for eligible people under the National Immunisation Program and state based free flu programs.
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.
Just Ask Amcal
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.
