Timing of Vaccination

Annual vaccination should occur before the onset of each influenza season. The period of peak influenza circulation is typically June to September. The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3 to months after vaccination. If a person had a 2022 influenza vaccine in late 2022 or early 2023, they are still recommended to receive a 2023 formulation of influenza vaccine when it becomes available (likely from March 2023).

Eligibility 

Annual vaccination is recommended and funded for all children aged 6 months to <5 years, and all adults aged >65 years. It is also recommended for all people aged 5 to <65 years of age, but only funded for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people who have certain medical conditions and pregnant women.

Pregnancy

Vaccination in pregnancy protects both mother and babies from influenza and its complications. It can be given at any stage of pregnancy. For women who receive an influenza vaccine before becoming pregnant, revaccinate during pregnancy to protect the unborn infant. The influenza vaccine can be safely given at the same time as the pertussis vaccine (between 20 and 32 weeks) and/or COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. 

Children 6 Months to Less than 5 Years

Influenza vaccine is recommended and funded under the NIP for Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years who are at higher risk of complications from influenza. Even healthy children can become seriously ill. Two doses are recommend and funded in the first year of vaccination (at least 4 weeks apart).

Influenza Vaccine Safety and Contraindications

The only contraindications to influenza vaccines are:

• • Anaphylaxis following a previous dose of any influenza vaccine
  • Anaphylaxis following any vaccine component (excluding eggs)

It’s the time of the season where influenza is running high.  

That’s right, it’s Flu Season. Get a Flu Shot today
and make a difference.

Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and reducing the spread of influenza within the community. It is important to get your flu vaccine in April and May, before the start of the June to September flu season. By getting your flu vaccination you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re also protecting vulnerable people who are too sick, too young such as babies less than six months old and those who have low immunity.