Influenza (Flu)
Information about the Influenza (Flu) Immunisation Program funded under the Immunise Australia Program.
Influenza (flu) is caused by two types of viruses in humans (Influenza A and B). Influenza is spread between people through infected droplets in the air.
Symptoms take between 1 and 3 days after infection to appear and may include:
- tiredness;
- fever;
- chills;
- headache;
- cough;
- sneezing and runny nose;
- poor appetite; and
- muscle aches.
Further health problems can develop in some people after infection with influenza including pneumonia, heart, blood system and liver complications, which can lead to death, especially in children and older people. Children with severe egg allergy should not receive the vaccine and discuss this with their 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 Islanders people over 15 years of age, pregnant women and individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions predisposing to severe influenza.
2012 publications are under review and will be available shortly.
Question and Answers for seasonal influenza vaccination
Information on products relating to seasonal or pandemic influenza vaccine is available online.
For information on H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza), please see the Department of Health and Ageing Pandemic Influenza website.
Reporting adverse events for Influenza
Information from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer
Information from Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation
Influenza Immunisation for Older Australians
This program provides free influenza vaccine for all Australians aged 65 and older. 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.The Australian Government aims to provide greater protection against influenza for older people, by making influenza vaccine available, free of charge. To receive influenza immunisation, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however 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 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC)
Influenza Immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Top of PageThis program provides free vaccines, through community controlled Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), State/territory immunisation clinics and general practitioners, for Indigenous people who are aged 15 years or over or those 6 months of age or over with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza.
Respiratory diseases are major causes of preventable sickness and death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with some Aboriginal communities having the highest incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in the world.
To receive influenza immunisation, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however 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 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
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Influenza Vaccination for Pregnant Women
This program provides free influenza vaccine 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 new born babies during their first vulnerable months of life.The Australian Government aims to provide greater protection against influenza for pregnant women, by making influenza vaccine available, free of charge. To receive influenza vaccination, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however a consultation fee may apply.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists strongly recommends routine vaccination of pregnant women as influenza vaccine given during pregnancy can protect the woman during pregnancy and provide ongoing protection to the newborn baby during the first few months of life.
Further information about safety of the vaccine during pregnancy is available at the RANZCOG website:
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 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
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Influenza Vaccination for Individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions predisposing to severe influenza
This program provides free influenza vaccine for all Australians aged 6 months of age and over with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza, these conditions include:- Cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
- Chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma
- Other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, and haemoglobinopathies
- Chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders
- Impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use
- Children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
The Australian Government aims to provide greater protection against influenza for Australians aged 6 months of age and over with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza, by making influenza vaccine available, free of charge. To receive influenza vaccination, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however 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 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 28 March, 2012