Who can have the funded flu vaccine
Yearly influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over. Anyone who wants to protect themselves against influenza can talk to their vaccination provider about getting vaccinated.
People at highest risk of serious illness from influenza virus and its complications are eligible for a funded vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). You may have to pay an administration fee to receive your vaccine.
Who can receive the free vaccine
The government funded vaccine is available under the National Immunisation Program for:
- children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- anyone pregnant
- people aged 65 years and older
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 6 months and older
- people aged 6 months and older with underlying medical conditions.
When to get the flu vaccine
The best time to get the flu vaccine is before winter and the start of the flu season. It takes about two weeks to develop immunity. While protection is generally expected to last for the whole season, you are best protected in the 3 to 4 months after vaccination.
It's never too late to get the flu vaccine.
Find out where to get the flu vaccine.
Side effects
The most common side effects after influenza vaccination are redness, pain and swelling where you received the injection.
You may also have fever, sore muscles, and tiredness but these usually only last one to two days.
Symptoms can mimic influenza infection but are due to the vaccine’s interaction with the immune system. Influenza vaccines currently available in Australia do not contain live virus, so cannot cause influenza.
Find out more about common side effects from vaccination.
Flu vaccine and COVID-19
You can receive both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
More information
For more information about influenza vaccination, contact the ACT Health Immunisation Unit during business hours on 02 5124 9800.