Most people have had the flu at some stage and it’s often talked about like it’s just a bad cold. But influenza can leave people seriously unwell for days or even weeks.
Influenza spreads easily during Australia’s colder months, particularly in busy workplaces, schools and households. A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for most Australians and is one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of getting seriously sick during flu season.
Key Points
- Flu vaccines help reduce the risk of serious illness and complications from influenza.
- Vaccination is recommended every year because flu viruses change regularly.
- The flu vaccine is updated annually to target the strains expected to circulate during flu season.
- Some people are at higher risk of severe illness, including older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.
- Phoenix Health offers Extras covers that provides benefits for flu vaccinations.
What is the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It spreads through droplets released when infected people cough, sneeze or speak, particularly in busy indoor settings and close-contact environments.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, coughing and a sore throat. Unlike a common cold, the flu often comes on suddenly and can make people feel exhausted for several days.
While many people recover at home, influenza can sometimes lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia, dehydration or hospitalisation. Young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions are usually at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell.
Why do flu vaccines matter?
Flu vaccines help your immune system recognise and respond to influenza viruses more effectively. While vaccination doesn’t guarantee you won’t get sick, it can reduce the severity of as well as lower your risk of complications and hospitalisation.
Vaccination also helps protect the people around you, including family members, work colleagues and vulnerable members of the community who may be at higher risk during flu season.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
In Australia, annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. It’s especially important for people who are at higher risk of complications from influenza.
This includes:
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant women
- Children under five
- People with chronic medical conditions
- People with weakened immune systems
- Healthcare and aged care workers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Even healthy adults can become seriously unwell from the flu. Vaccination also helps reduce the spread of influenza through workplaces, schools, households and the wider community.
Some people who are at higher risk may be eligible for free flu vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program so speak with your GP or pharmacist.
When should you get vaccinated?
Flu vaccines are usually available from April each year ahead of the winter flu season. Getting vaccinated before winter helps provide protection during the months when influenza is most common, particularly from June to September.
Protection from the vaccine is strongest during the first few months after vaccination, which is why timing matters. If you miss the start of flu season, it’s still worth getting vaccinated later, as influenza can continue circulating beyond winter.
Flu vaccinations are widely available through GPs, pharmacies and vaccination clinics across Australia.
Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?
Unlike some viruses, influenza changes regularly. Different strains circulate each year, which means the flu vaccine needs to be updated annually to match the strains expected to spread during Australia’s flu season.
Health authorities and researchers monitor influenza activity around the world to predict which strains are most likely to circulate in the coming season. The vaccine is then updated to provide protection against those strains as closely as possible.
That’s one of the main reasons yearly flu vaccinations are recommended, even if you were vaccinated the year before.
Can you still get the flu being vaccinated?
Yes. Because influenza viruses change regularly, it’s still possible to catch the flu after being vaccinated. However, vaccination can make symptoms milder and reduce the risk of serious illness or complications.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings about flu vaccines. The vaccine isn’t designed to guarantee complete protection against every strain of influenza. Instead, it helps your immune system respond more effectively if you’re exposed to the virus.
Does Phoenix Health cover flu vaccinations?
Yes. Benefits are available with several Extras Covers for non-PBS Pharmaceuticals which vaccinations that aren’t already being subsidised by the PBS.
If you’re planning to have a vaccination at a pharmacy or through another healthcare provider, it’s worth checking with us to see if you’re eligible for a benefit.
Looking for Hospital and Extras cover?
Learn more about cover with Phoenix Health, including benefits for vaccinations, and get a quick quote here.
