Getting your yearly flu vaccination can help protect you, your family and friends from getting infected with the influenza virus.
At Stafford Medical, we offer seasonal flu vaccinations to all eligible members of our community.
In most cases, a flu shot is recommended for anyone 6 months of age and over, and our team is here ready to answer your questions and provide you with the latest recommended flu vaccine.
A flu shot for you and your family will help to protect not only yourselves from the dangers from contracting the flu, but also reduce the opportunity for the flu to spread into the wider community.
Important information about flu shots
- It’s recommended to get a flu shot every year as strains mutate and change and protection typically lasts around 6 months
- Most people won’t have any downtime after a flu vaccination, but some may feel slight temporary pain around the injection site. In uncommon cases, some people may experience a few very mild cold symptoms in the following days
- Sometimes, due to age and other factors, you might need a particular variant of the flu vaccine, our specialists will advise if this is the case
- All flu vaccinations at Stafford Medical are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and highly recommended for protection against the illness
Free flu vaccines for eligible people
The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides a free flu vaccine to eligible people, including:
- People aged 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months or over
- Those aged 6 months and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of complications from the flu
- Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years old
For those not eligible for a government funded vaccine, there will be a charge for the vaccine.
About flu symptoms
Each year, thousands of Australians catch the flu and experience a range of symptoms per the strain, their health and fitness and circumstances.
Flu symptoms can include:
- Fever and chills
- A persistent, often dry cough
- Sore throat or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting and stomach complaints
The symptoms can often vary from person to person in terms of severity and appearance.
At Stafford Medical, we believe that getting an annual flu shot is key in prevention and significantly reducing the risk of contracting and spreading influenza.
Vaccination helps protect vulnerable people, such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions, who are at higher risk of severe complications from the flu.
Flu vaccination FAQs / People also ask
How often should you get a flu shot?
Every year. This is important because flu shots only last around 6 months and new strains appear in the community typically every season (winter). This also explains why new flu shot variants come out early each year, in time for the next flu season.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No. The vaccines available today either contain inactivated viruses or components that do not cause illness. While some people may experience mild side effects like soreness or low-grade fever, these symptoms are not the flu and are typically short-lived.
When is the best time to get a flu vaccine?
It’s recommended to get vaccinated before the flu season begins, typically in April / May. However, it’s never too late to get vaccinated during the flu season, even if it has already started, as the vaccine provides protection for many months.
Can I still get the flu if I've been vaccinated?
Although the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it significantly reduces the risk of illness and the severity of symptoms if you do get infected. Additionally, getting vaccinated helps protect those around you who may be more vulnerable to flu-related complications.
Are there any side effects of the flu vaccine?
Most people experience no serious side effects from the flu vaccine. If any side effects occur, they are typically mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-mild fever.