What is flu (influenza) vaccination?
An influenza vaccination is the process of delivering the virus that causes flu into the body via a weakened, inactivated, or partial component of the virus. Your flu vaccine is designed to protect you against the influenza virus, commonly known as the flu.
Influenza is a highly contagious virus that can spread easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Once contracted, it infects the respiratory system, affecting the nose, throat, and lungs.
Common flu symptoms
Common symptoms of the flu infection are:
High fever
Cough (usually dry)
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Fatigue
Headaches
Chills
Occasionally, vomiting, and diarrhoea (more common in children)
For most healthy individuals, influenza usually resolves within a week. However, for others, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, or the worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease.
How does the influenza vaccine work?
When you receive the vaccine, it stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies that recognise and fight the virus if you're exposed to it. Your vaccine is updated every year to target the most common strains of the flu virus that are expected to circulate during the upcoming season.
Getting your flu vaccine is an essential step in protecting yourself from the flu, reducing the severity of illness if you do get sick, and preventing complications.
Why should you get the vaccine?
Getting the flu vaccine helps to reduce the risk of catching the flu virus and spreading it to others. It can also prevent severe illness, hospitalisation, and even life-threatening complications, particularly among high-risk individuals, such as young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.
If you still have questions about the influenza vaccination, it's best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional. You may contact Thomson Medical to arrange a consultation and receive guidance tailored to your medical condition.
Who can get the flu shot?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone, especially if you're a healthy adult who travels a lot, cares for others, or works in places like hospitals, schools, or daycare centres, where there is a higher risk of infection.
If you are more susceptible to serious influenza complications, then you should get the vaccination. Based on the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) guidelines, you should get the vaccination if you belong to any of these groups:
Seniors aged 65 and above
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
People with chronic medical conditions, including:
Lung diseases like asthma or COPD
Heart disease
Diabetes or other metabolic disorders
Kidney, liver, or blood disorders
Neurological conditions
Individuals undergoing treatments or taking medications that lower immunity, such as long-term steroid use, chemotherapy, or radiation
People with weakened immune systems due to conditions like leukaemia, HIV, removal of the spleen, or those who have had organ transplants
Residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities (e.g., hospices)
Children and teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome
Pregnant women, to protect both you and your baby
If you or someone you care for is more likely to catch the flu, it is important to get vaccinated every year to protect your health and the health of the people around you.
Who should not get a flu shot?
There are a few exceptions where you should speak to your doctor before getting the flu vaccine:
If you have a severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine (such as eggs, used in some types)
If you’ve ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare nervous system condition
If your child is under 6 months old — the vaccine isn’t approved for this age group
If you’re currently ill with a moderate or severe illness, it’s best to wait until you’re well again before getting vaccinated
How do you prepare for the influenza flu vaccine?
Before getting your flu vaccine:
Consult your doctor if you have health conditions or are unsure if the vaccine is right for you
Make sure you are not sick, especially if you have a fever or other moderate-to-severe illness
Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you have, particularly to eggs or vaccine components
What are common side effects of the flu vaccine?
After receiving your flu vaccine, you might experience:
Mild side effects, such as:
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Mild fever
Fatigue or tiredness
Muscle aches
Serious side effects are rare but can include:
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (extremely rare)
In extremely rare cases, the flu vaccine may cause a severe allergic reaction. Signs of such a reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, or a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
FAQ
When should you get the flu vaccination?
Ideally, you should receive your influenza vaccine before the start of the flu season, which usually begins in autumn. Vaccinating by the end of October offers the best protection, even though it can still be beneficial later in the season.
How many times is the flu vaccine given?
Most people are recommended to have an annual vaccination, as protection from the shot decreases over time and flu viruses can change each year. Children under the age of nine who have never been vaccinated may require two doses, administered at least four weeks apart.
What is the flu vaccine good for?
Vaccines against the influenza virus are designed to reduce your risk of catching the flu by helping your body build immunity. They reduce the likelihood of serious outcomes, such as hospitalisation and complications, and they also prevent the spread of the virus to those around you who are more vulnerable.
Is it okay to get the flu vaccine when sick?
You can usually still get vaccinated if you’re experiencing mild flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, a sore throat, or a slight cough. However, if you have a fever or feel significantly unwell, it is best to wait until you have recovered. If you are unsure, seek medical advice before proceeding.
How long do flu antibodies last?
Immunity from the flu vaccine typically lasts 6 to 12 months. Because influenza viruses constantly evolve, getting vaccinated every year ensures you remain protected, especially if you have long-term medical conditions or are in close contact with others.
Why do vulnerable individuals need the flu vaccine the most?
People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, young children, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes are at higher risk of severe complications from the flu. Vaccinating these vulnerable individuals and those around them helps reduce the spread and impact of influenza.
Does the flu vaccine cause the flu?
No, the flu vaccine cannot cause influenza infection. The vaccine contains inactivated or weakened virus particles that help your immune system recognise and respond to the virus, but it does not cause illness. Some people may experience mild side effects like a sore arm or low-grade fever—this is a normal immune response, not the flu.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson 24-Hour Urgent Care Centre (Novena)
- Call: 6350 8812