Flu vaccination
Most Australians will benefit from having an annual vaccination to protect against influenza (flu). The vaccine is usually given before the onset of winter, and is based on predictions of which flu strains will be most active in that year.
Influenza vaccine 2012
The 2012 seasonal influenza vaccine protects against 3 strains of flu virus, one of which is the pandemic (H1N1) influenza 2009 virus (also known as swine flu). The vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it is not possible to get flu from the vaccine.
There are several different brands of the vaccine available, although they all protect against the same 3 strains of influenza virus.
Side effects
Side effects are usually mild and occur within the first 24 to 48 hours following immunisation. Some common side effects associated with influenza vaccination include soreness at the injection site and fever.
One brand of influenza vaccine used in 2010 was associated with more serious side effects in children younger than 5 years, including high fever. This brand of vaccine – Fluvax – is not being used for children in this age group in Australia in 2012. There are several other brands of vaccine that are recommended for use in children.
Flu vaccination for special groups
Influenza vaccination is especially important for some people, including:
- people aged 65 years and older;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and older;
- pregnant women; and
- people with medical conditions that put them at risk of severe influenza (such as heart disease, severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes).
These people are at increased risk of severe illness and complications from influenza such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Influenza vaccine is available to these people free of charge.
Older people and flu
Vaccination is recommended for people aged 65 years and older because people in this age group can become very ill with influenza and have the highest risk of complications associated with seasonal influenza.
Pregnant women and influenza
Pregnancy can increase your risk of severe influenza and complications related to influenza infection. The influenza vaccine is safe to receive at any stage during pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy can also provide protection from flu to newborn babies of vaccinated mothers.
You should check with your doctor whether you may be eligible for free flu vaccination.
Last Reviewed: 12 April 2012
- 1. Immunise Australia Program. Questions and answers for influenza (flu) vaccination 2012 (updated 28 March 2012). http://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/immunise-influenza-qanda (accessed Apr 2012).
2. Immunise Australia Program. Clinical advice for immunisation providers regarding the administration of 2012 trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines March 2012 (published 23 March 2012). Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) Statement. http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/Publishing.nsf/content/ATAGI-advice-TIV-march2012 (accessed Apr 2012).
