Flu vaccinations are an important part of public health in Australia, helping to protect individuals and communities from seasonal influenza. Each year, the vaccine is updated to match circulating strains and is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. . Getting vaccinated helps reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and the spread of flu in the community.
The Queensland Government’s Free Flu Vaccination Program offers free influenza vaccinations to all Queensland residents aged 6 months or older. These vaccinations are available for the following group:
Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, primarily through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with these droplets—such as phones, door handles, or keyboards—and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms usually develop 1 to 3 days after exposure and may include fever, sore throat, dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, and extreme tiredness. In older adults, fever may be absent, and the flu may present instead as confusion, shortness of breath, or a worsening of existing chronic conditions.
Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk of catching the flu and developing serious complications. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also helps safeguard those around you—especially vulnerable individuals like babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In Australia, flu season typically peaks between June and September, but vaccination is recommended as early as possible and can still be beneficial later, as the virus may circulate year-round. The flu vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause the flu. Some people may experience mild, short-term flu-like symptoms within 48 hours as their immune system responds to the vaccine.
Flu vaccination is generally safe, but some mild and short-term side effects can occur, usually lasting no more than 48 hours. These may be more noticeable in children under five and can include drowsiness or tiredness, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site. Occasionally, a small lump (nodule) may form at the injection site and can last for several weeks without needing treatment. Serious side effects are extremely rare but may include allergic (anaphylactic) reactions to vaccine components.
If you’re concerned about your side effects—if they worsen, last too long, or seem unusual—please book an appointment, walk in to see one of our GPs, or call 000 in an emergency.
For some individuals, vaccination may not be suitable. This includes:
Patients experiencing a fever of 38.5°C or higher due to illness
Those with compromised immunity caused by a medical condition or treatment
Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis after a previous dose of the vaccine or one of its components
Patients with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Those with bleeding disorders
If you are uncertain about whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you, we recommend consulting one of our GPs for further guidance.
Upon request you will be provided with a statement that includes:
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