The 2023 Flu vaccine is now available at Victoria Harbour Medical Centre.
- The flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone aged 6 months and over.
- Free government supplied flu vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are now available, subject to supply.
- People not eligible under the NIP can purchase a private flu vaccine at our medical centre for $16. No prescription is required.
- Appointments for a flu vaccine are required. Standard consultation and vaccine administration fees with our Nurse or GP may also apply.
- Call the medical centre on tel (03) 9629 1414 to discuss your Flu vaccine options.
Flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccination:
Flu vaccines can be given on the same day (co-administered) with a COVID-19 vaccine including a COVID-19 booster vaccine.
Children and the Flu vaccine:
Children aged 6 months to < 5 years old can only receive VaxiGrip Tetra® or Fluarix Tetra® branded flu vaccine which is funded under the NIP for this age group.*
Adults aged 65 years and over:
Adjuvanted flu vaccines are recommended over the standard flu vaccine for this age group. The adjuvanted flu vaccine called Fluad Quad® is funded under the NIP for this age group.**
Timing of the Flu vaccine:
The annual flu vaccine should occur anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September. The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination. However, it is never too late to vaccinate since flu can circulate in the community all year round.
Pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine at any stage during pregnancy.
Flu vaccines can be given on the same day with a COVID-19 vaccine including a COVID-19 booster vaccine.
People with allergies:
Egg allergy is not a contraindication to receiving the flu vaccine. As the egg based flu vaccines under the NIP only contains minute traces of egg protein, people with an egg allergy, including a history of anaphylaxis, can be safely vaccinated with the flu vaccine. If you have an egg allergy, please discuss this with your immunisation provider, as you will require a longer post-vaccination observation period at the medical centre.
All flu vaccines available under the NIP in 2023 are latex free. People with a latex allergy can safely be vaccinated with flu vaccines that are available under the NIP.
People should not receive the flu vaccine if they have experienced anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any flu vaccine or anaphylaxis after any component of a flu vaccine.
Eligibility for a free Flu vaccines through the NIP:
Eligibility for a free government supplied Flu vaccine under the NIP in 2023 includes the following groups of people:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age*
- Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
- Adults aged 65 years and over **
- People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease:
- cardiac disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- chronic neurological conditions
- immunocompromising conditions
- diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- renal disease
- haematological disorders
- children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
Call the medical centre on tel (03) 9629 1414 to discuss your flu vaccine options.
Please download and read the Pre-immunisation Checklist before your Flu vaccine appointment.
