Influenza Clinical FAQs

Does the influenza vaccine work?
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The influenza vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing illness...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 1:41 PM
Why is it necessary to receive another dose of the influenza vaccine each year?
Each year the strains of the influenza virus which are predicted to affect Australians are reviewed and the available vaccines may be changed according to t...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 1:41 PM
Is the influenza vaccine safe?
As with any medications, vaccines can have side effects. The most common side effects following influenza vaccination include mild fever, headache, muscle a...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 1:48 PM
Will the influenza vaccine provide protection against COVID-19?
The influenza vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19. However, it will protect you against influenza and help reduce the severity and spread of influ...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 1:49 PM
Who should get vaccinated against the flu?
Everyone older than six months should receive the annual influenza vaccine. However, the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza and...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 1:50 PM
Should the enhanced vaccines (Fluad® Quad or Fluzone®) be given to people who arhave a medical risk factor if they are younger than 65 years?
No. The adjuvanted Fluad® Quad vaccine is only registered for use in people 65 years and over.  The high-dose Fluzone® quadrivalent vaccine is only register...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 2:26 PM
Can patients aged 65 years and over be given standard quadrivalent vaccines if the enhanced quadrivalent vaccine (Fluad® Quad or or FluZone®) is not available?
Yes. However, people aged 65 and over should receive anenhanced quadrivalent vaccine (Fluad® Quad or FluZone®) over other standard quadrivalent vaccines. Th...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 2:30 PM
Can someone who has received the influenza vaccine early in the season receive an additional (booster) dose later in the year?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on immunisation advises that revaccination in the same year is not routinely recommended, however some people may be...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 2:32 PM
Can someone who is 65 or over who received the standard flu vaccine receive a subsequent dose of one of the enhanced vaccines for people 65 years of age and over?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on immunisation advises that revaccination in the same year is not routinely recommended, however some people may be...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 2:34 PM
I had the influenza vaccine while I was pregnant, does my baby still need the vaccine?
All pregnant women are recommended to have the influenza vaccine during their pregnancy. Some of the antibodies that your body makes in response to the vacc...
Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 2:36 PM