Roll up your sleeves, book your flu shot today
In Australia, it is recommended that any person 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccination to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza. Flu is more severe than a common cold, and sufferers are often restricted to their beds for up to a week or more and unable to work or care for loved ones. For others considered ‘at risk’ of complications from the flu, the illness can be much more severe and may lead to hospitalisation.1 Certain flu vaccines are funded by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and State Governments for eligible people. Your local Discount Drug Stores pharmacist can discuss the flu vaccination options available to you.
Persons considered at higher risk of complications include:
- People aged 65 years and over
- Children 6 months to 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza
- People with severe asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and kidney disease and certain chronic conditions
- Pregnant women
People who are more likely to come in to contact with a person in the ‘at-risk’ category are strongly encouraged to have an annual flu vaccination to reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus. This includes but is not limited to:
- Healthcare workers, carers and household contacts of people in high-risk groups
- Residents, staff, volunteers and visitors to aged care and long-term residential facilities
- Commercial poultry and pork industry workers
- People who provide essential community services
- Anyone who lives or works with ‘at risk’ people
Talk to Discount Drug Stores
Discount Drug Stores are offering flu vaccinations expertly administered by one of our pharmacists or a visiting nurse practitioner. The flu vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you and others from serious disease caused by influenza. Always remember, as well as vaccination, it is important to continue practicing good hand hygiene, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when you are unwell to minimise the spread of the flu.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of flu may include:
- Sudden appearance of a high fever (38°C or more)
- Chills
- Aching behind the eyes
- Runny/blocked nose
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headache
- Weakness and lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Aching muscles and joints
Does an influenza vaccination affect protection against coronavirus?
Influenza vaccination is not a vaccination against coronavirus, and it offers no protection against contracting coronavirus. Reducing the risk of the flu is now more important than ever, as having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time can make you very ill. To reduce your risk of contracting the flu, speak to your Discount Drug Store pharmacist or book your flu vaccination online now.
Flu Vaccination
Protect yourself against the flu this year by getting vaccinated. You can now get your flu vaccination at the pharmacy. You don’t need a prescription from the doctor.
Appointment Duration: 15min
*Subject to pharmacist recommendation and pre-screening. You may be eligible for a government-funded vaccination. Ask your Discount Drug Stores pharmacist about eligibility and availability. Appointment dates subject to vaccine availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I still get the flu vaccination?
Yes, it is never too late to get the flu vaccination. In recent years the peak flu season has been between June and August. Although more prevalent in winter you can catch the flu all year round. Australian guidelines recommend that everyone over 6 months of age should receive the flu vaccination to protect themselves, but also to prevent passing on the flu to high-risk groups, including those over 65 and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
I received a flu vaccination last year. Do I need to have it again this year?
It is recommended you have a flu vaccination each year to protect you from new strains of the influenza virus.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine prevent me from getting the flu?
The COVID-19 vaccine will only help protect you against COVID-19. Although COVID-19 and influenza are viral infections they are not the same. The COVID-19 vaccine does not prevent the flu and the flu vaccination will not prevent you from getting COVID-19.
Source: 1. Newall, A. Economic Report into the Cost of Influenza to the Australian Health System. Vaccine, 2007.