Influenza (Flu)
The Influenza (Flu) Immunisation Program is funded under the Immunise Australia Program.
Influenza (flu) is caused by two types of viruses in humans (Influenza A and B). Influenza spreads from person to person through the air by coughing or sneezing and by direct contact from your hands.
Symptoms may occur 1 to 3 days after infection and could include:
- tiredness;
- fever;
- chills;
- headache;
- cough;
- sneezing and runny nose;
- poor appetite; and
- muscle aches.
Further health problems can develop in some people after influenza infection including pneumonia, heart, blood system and liver complications, which can lead to death, especially in children and older people.
Children and adults with egg allergy, including anaphylaxis, can be safely vaccinated with influenza. However this should be discussed with their doctor or immunisation provider.
Influenza is a vaccine preventable disease, but vaccines need to be given each year, because the viruses are always changing. Under the Immunise Australia Program influenza vaccination is recommended as part of routine vaccinations for older Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over 15 years of age, pregnant women and individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions that can lead to severe influenza.
Question and Answers for seasonal influenza vaccination
Information on products relating to seasonal or pandemic influenza vaccine is available online.
To report an adverse event associated with Influenza
Information from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer
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Influenza Immunisation for Older Australians
Free influenza vaccine is available for all Australians aged 65 and over. People in this age group are at high risk from influenza and its complications, with the majority of deaths from influenza occurring in this age group.To receive your influenza immunisation, visit your doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that whilst the vaccine is free, a consultation fee may apply.
For information about vaccination in your area contact your state or territory health department. For technical information or information about vaccines, refer to the influenza section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013
Influenza Immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Free vaccines through community controlled Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), State/territory immunisation clinics and general practitioners are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are aged 15 years or over. Influenza vaccine can be given to children from 6 months of age or over with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza.Influenza Vaccination for Pregnant Women
Free influenza vaccine is available for all pregnant women. Pregnant women are at high risk of severe consequences of influenza infection. The influenza vaccine is safe for pregnant women and provides protection for themselves and their new born baby for the first six months after birth.To receive your influenza vaccination visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is free, however a consultation fee may apply.
For information about vaccination in your area, please contact your state health department at the numbers below:
Australian Capital Territory (02) 6205 2300
New South Wales 1300 066 055
Northern Territory (08) 8922 8044
Queensland 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
South Australia 1300 232 272
Tasmania 1800 671 738
Victoria 1300 882 008
Western Australia (08) 9388 4878
For technical information or information about vaccines, refer to the Influenza section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013.
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Influenza Vaccination for Individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions that can lead to severe influenza
Free influenza vaccine is available for all Australians aged 6 months of age and over with medical conditions that can lead to severe influenza.The table below outlines the medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of influenza disease complications.
Category | Vaccination strongly recommended but not limited to children with the following clinical conditions |
|---|---|
| Cardiac disease | Cyanotic congenital heart disease Congestive heart failure Coronary artery disease |
| Chronic respiratory conditions† | Severe asthma (for which frequent hospitalisation is required) Cystic fibrosis Bronchiectasis Suppurative lung disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic emphysema |
| Chronic neurological conditions† | Hereditary and degenerative CNS diseases† (including multiple sclerosis) Seizure disorders Spinal cord injuries Neuromuscular disorders |
| Immunocompromising conditions | Immunosuppressive therapy due to disease or treatment (e.g. malignancy, transplantation, HIV and/or chronic steroid use) Asplenia or splenic dysfunction HIV infection |
| Diabetes and other metabolic disorders | Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Chronic metabolic disorders |
| Renal disease | Chronic renal failure |
| Haematological disorders | Haemoglobinopathies |
| Long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 6 months to 10 years | These children are at increased risk of Reye syndrome following influenza infection |
To receive your influenza vaccination, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that whilst the vaccine is free, a consultation fee may apply.
For information about vaccination in your area, please contact your state health department at the numbers below:
Australian Capital Territory (02) 6205 2300
New South Wales 1300 066 055
Northern Territory (08) 8922 8044
Queensland 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
South Australia 1300 232 272
Tasmania 1800 671 738
Victoria 1300 882 008
Western Australia (08) 9321 1312
For technical information or information about vaccines, refer to the Influenza section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013.
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Page last modified: 06 May, 2013