Who can have the funded influenza vaccine

Influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over every year. 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 NIP 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 influenza vaccine

The best time to get the influenza vaccine is before the start of the influenza season, which is typically around May in Australia. It takes about 2 weeks to develop immunity. You are best protected in the 3 to 4 months after vaccination.

It's never too late to get the influenza vaccine as infections can happen year-round. Ask your immunisation provider if the vaccine is available.

Where to get the influenza vaccine

Find out where to get the influenza 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 2 days.

Symptoms can mimic influenza infection but are due to the vaccine triggering an immune response. NIP Influenza vaccines currently available in Australia do not contain live virus. FluMist®, which is available privately, contains live, weakened influenza virus however it cannot cause or spread influenza disease.

Find out more about common side effects from vaccination.

Administration at the same time as other vaccines

You can receive the influenza vaccine with other vaccines, including COVID-19, RSV and pertussis vaccines.

More information

For more information about influenza vaccination in the ACT, contact the Health Protection Service, Immunisation Section during business hours on 02 5124 9800.