Flu vaccination FAQs
Some specific points about the vaccine are:
- The influenza vaccine is an inactivated (dead) vaccine, and cannot give you the 'flu'.
- The influenza vaccine is generally well tolerated.
- Occasional discomfort, redness and swelling at the injection site is most common.
- Headache, fever, muscle pain and malaise may occur infrequently within a few hours of vaccination and may last 1 - 2 days.
- Immediate adverse events such as hives, swelling of the face, lips and tongue, breathing difficulties such as wheezing or systemic anaphylaxis are a rare occurrence.
- Post vaccination: if you have any concerns post vaccination, please speak to your local GP or emergency department.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that pregnant women (and women planning pregnancy) are immunised against influenza as they are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. You can speak with your healthcare provider first before being vaccinated if you have any questions or concerns.
Consumer medical information on this vaccine is available from the Immunisation Program Nurses or the ATAGI Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine - Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the flu?
Influenza (more commonly known as the flu) is caused by a highly contagious virus that usually spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of flu include: fever, muscular pain, headache, sore throat and cough. Symptoms may persist for days or more.
Why should I get the flu vaccine?
Influenza can cause serious illness and the sufferer can become so unwell they are unable to attend work or take care of their family members. Some people even require hospitalisation. Healthcare workers also risk spreading the disease to vulnerable patients.
Why do I need to get vaccinated each year?
Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get an annual influenza vaccine. This includes healthy adults. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications or people who live with or care for people at higher risk for serious influenza complications.
About the vaccine - For people aged under 65 years:
The FluQuadri® contains the following four influenza strains recommended for the 2024 season:
- A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1) pdm09-like strain
- A/Thailand/8/2022 (H3N2) – like strain
- B/Austria/1359417/2021-like strain (B/Victoria lineage)- like virus
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 - like strain (B/Yamagata lineage) – like virus
For people aged 65 years and over:
The flu vaccine is an adjuvanted (or enhanced) vaccine which is a standard dose flu vaccine with an added adjuvant to help create a stronger immune response to the vaccination. The 2024 vaccine contains the same components as the vaccine provided for other age groups but has the benefit of inducing a greater immune response in older people.
Consumer medical information on this vaccine is available from the Immunisation Program Nurses or the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
All flu vaccines currently available in Australia are safe to use in adults. All vaccine in Australia must pass stringent safety testing before being approved for use by the TGA.
Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?
No. The vaccine does not contain live virus and contains only inactivated virus particles (a virus that has been concentrated, killed then broken apart). It is therefore incapable of causing influenza infection.
How long after receiving the vaccine am I immune?
Protection from the vaccine (seroprotection) is generally obtained within 2 to 3 weeks. The duration of post-vaccinal immunity varies and is usually 6 to 12 months.
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
- The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th ed online
- TGA - 2024 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
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