Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
A flu vaccination helps protect you and your loved ones from infections caused by the influenza virus. The more people vaccinated in the community, the lower the risk of the disease spreading.
National Immunisation Program (NIP)
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides FREE flu vaccinations to people most at risk of complications from influenza, including:
People aged 65 and older
First Nations people aged 6 months*^ and over
Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
Children 6 months to less than 5 years old*^.
People aged 6 months*^ and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of complications from the flu
Please note that NIP flu vaccination appointments will be available as stock arrives in selected pharmacies. If you are unable to find an available appointment please contact your local MediADVICE to ask about the specific vaccines they can provide, and to arrange an appointment.
Book over 65s NIP vaccination
Book all other NIP vaccination
*FREE Flu vaccinations for children aged 6mth to less than 5yrs are available under the National Immunisation program only in QLD pharmacies. FREE Flu for children aged 2yrs to less than 5yrs are available under the National Immunisation program only in NSW pharmacies ^ Flu vaccinations for children aged 6mth to less than 5yrs are available in SA however this services is subject to an administration fee.
Children's flu vaccination
The flu vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children aged 6 months to under 5 years*^.
However, flu vaccinations administered to children aged 2–4 years will incur an administration fee.
Book children's vaccination
*FREE Flu vaccinations for children aged 6mth to less than 5yrs are available under the National Immunisation program only in QLD pharmacies. FREE Flu for children aged 2yrs to less than 5yrs are available under the National Immunisation program only in NSW pharmacies ^ Flu vaccinations for children aged 6mth to less than 5yrs are available in SA however this services is subject to an administration fee.
High-dose trivalent flu vaccination
This vaccination is recommended for individuals aged 60 years and older to help protect against influenza and serious complications such as pneumonia.
If you are aged 60 to 64, you have the option to receive a high-dose vaccine, but availability and cost may vary depending on local government programs.
Book high-dose quadrivalent vaccination
Cell-based vaccination
Cell-based flu vaccines are developed using mammalian cells rather than chicken eggs.
Available for individuals aged 5 to 64 years. Provided free of charge for those who qualify under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Book NIP cell-based vaccination
Book standard cell-based vaccination
Co-administered Flu and COVID-19 vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccination can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day) with the influenza vaccination. Co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations are safe and provide a good immune response for each type of virus.
2025 COVID-19 booster dose recommendations
Adults aged 65 years and over, or aged 18-64 who are severely immunocompromised, are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster dose every 6 months
All other adults are eligible to get a booster dose every 12 months
Children 5-17 who are severely immunocompromised can receive a single dose every 12 months
Teenagers and children who are without immunocompromise are not recommended to receive a booster
Book co-admin vaccination
Learn more
National Immunisation Program (NIP)
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides FREE flu vaccinations to people most at risk of complications from influenza, including:
People aged 65 and older
First Nations people aged 6 months*^and over
Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
Children 6 months to less than 5 years old*^.
People aged 6 months*^and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of complications from the flu
Please note that NIP flu vaccination appointments will be available as stock arrives in selected pharmacies. If you are unable to find an available appointment please contact your local MediADVICE to ask about the specific vaccines they can provide, and to arrange an appointment.
Book over 65s NIP
*FREE Flu vaccinations for children aged 6mth to less than 5yrs are available under the National Immunisation program only in QLD pharmacies. FREE Flu for children aged 2yrs to less than 5yrs are available under the National Immunisation program only in NSW pharmacies ^ Flu vaccinations for children aged 6mth to less than 5yrs are available in SA however this services is subject to an administration fee.
Children's flu vaccination
The flu vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
However, flu vaccinations administered to children aged 2–4 years will incur an administration fee.
Book children's vaccination now
For a free NIP vaccination, please speak to your GP or healthcare provider. For more information, please speak to your local MediADVICE Pharmacist.
Children's flu vaccination
The flu vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
However, flu vaccinations administered to children aged 2–4 years will incur an administration fee.
Book children's vaccination now
Your questions answered
Who should have the flu vaccination?
Almost everyone can benefit from the flu vaccine. Even if you’re fit and healthy you could pass the virus on to someone who is at risk of becoming very sick if they catch the flu.
If you care for children, older parents, or any other high-risk person, then you should consider getting the flu vaccination.
Who shouldn’t have the flu vaccination?
Children younger than 6 months of age, people with severe or life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or ingredients in the flu vaccine including gelatin, antibiotics or egg*.
*Vaccines that are cell-based and do not contain egg are available, speak to your pharmacist about this option
How long does the flu vaccine last?
Generally, the flu vaccination will cover you for most of the flu season. Its effectiveness gradually decreases over time, which is why annual vaccination is recommended. Additionally, flu viruses evolve, so the vaccine is updated each year to target the most prevalent strains.
Why do I need to get vaccinated against the flu every year?
There are two main reasons for getting the flu vaccine annually:
As the virus is constantly changing, getting vaccinated from the flu every year means you’re best protected against the most recent and common circulating strains.
A person’s immune protection from influenza vaccination declines over time and annual vaccination is recommended.
When is the best time to get vaccinated?
Vaccination is best undertaken in autumn (March-May) in anticipation of Australia’s peak flu season which usually occurs between June and September.
Are there possible side effects of the flu vaccine?
Although there is strict testing in place for flu vaccinations in Australia, they may cause one or more side effects. These can include:
Aches in muscles
Temperature change
Pain or swelling where the injection was given
A small, hard lump where the injection was given (can last 1-2 weeks)
Drowsiness
If you’re concerned about the persistence or severity of the side effects that you or your loved one is experiencing, please either see your GP or visit your nearest hospital immediately.
Is the flu vaccination safe?
Yes. All flu vaccines currently available in Australia are safe to use in adults. In Australia, the flu vaccine (and all other vaccines, in fact) must pass stringent safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
What will happen during my flu vaccination appointment?
During your appointment, a trained pharmacist or nurse provider will administer a flu vaccination in a private room at the pharmacy. No prior prescription will be required, and appointments take only a few minutes, followed by a short observation period.
You will be asked to complete a consent form and you may be asked some questions about your existing health and any previous reactions you may have had.
Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment and be aware you will need to remain in-store for a further 15-minute observation period in the unlikely event of an adverse reaction.
Please note: Age restrictions apply and vary according to state – please confirm with your local store the minimum age we can vaccinate.
What can I expect after having the flu vaccine?
You may feel sore, hot, itchy or red around the area where you have been injected
A small lump or bruise may develop at the injection site. This can last up to 14 days
Occasional side effects may include flu-like symptoms, soreness of joints, muscle tenderness and general weakness
You should contact a doctor if you feel unwell, itchy all over, faint or short of breath after your vaccination
I have a flu vaccine voucher, what should I do with this?
To redeem your voucher for a free flu vaccination, you will need to book online and enter your voucher code when promoted. This voucher code can be found in the email received from your employer.
What does co-administration mean?
Co-administration refers to the administration of multiple vaccine injections at the same visit. Co-administration refers to 2 or more different vaccines with different active ingredients that are given at the same appointment. Some vaccines do provide immunity for multiple conditions in a single injection for example MMR
Are COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations co-administered in the same arm?
Current recommendations are that a single injection can be given into each deltoid muscle (in each arm) in children, adolescents and adults. There may be extenuating instances where giving more than two injections in one deltoid muscle may be warranted. Speak to your vaccination provider for more information.
Will I have more side effects from having influenza and COVID-19 co-administered?
There is the potential for an increase in mild to moderate adverse events when more than one vaccine is given at the same time. However, studies show that co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is safe and produces a good immune response
How long does a co-administration appointment take?
As a guide co-administration service can take up to 15 minutes. After which you will be required to remain in the pharmacy for a 15 minute observation period.
Can I mix any brand of covid vaccine with any other brand of flu vaccination (including the cell based flu vaccination)
All COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. Speak to your vaccination provider about mixed COVID-19 vaccination schedules.
If I am covid positive, can I still have my flu vaccination
People who have tested positive to COVID-19 should self-isolate according to your state or territory regulations. Once you have recovered from the acute illness you should receive your flu vaccination. Please speak to your local health provider or MediADVICE pharmacist for further information.
If I have head cold symptoms but no temperature, can I still have both vaccinations?
Our recommendation is test for COVID-19 according to your state or territory if you receive a negative result, speak to your pharmacist for the best advice