Influenza (Flu) vaccine

Protect you and your loved ones

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system (the nose, throat, larynx, lungs and more). The flu is spread through coughing, sneezing and directly touching mucus and saliva.  

The flu is the most common vaccine preventable disease in Australia.

Symptoms of the flu

Although the flu can be a mild disease, it can also cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people. It can require hospitalisation and can cause death.

When someone gets the flu, they may experience symptoms such as:

  • runny or blocked nose

  • shortness of breath

  • nausea and vomiting

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • fever

  • chills

  • cough

  • fatigue

  • body aches

  • sore throat

The severity of someone’s flu symptoms can be dependent on age, health, pregnancy and whether they’ve been vaccinated.

Influenza can be especially serious for babies, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.

Influenza vaccination

The influenza vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you and our community from experiencing serious side effects from the flu. The flu vaccine is available at The Pharmacy Common every year after late March.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care advises all eligible people to get an annual influenza vaccine anytime from April. This is so your highest level of protection occurs during peak flu season, which is generally June to September.

Since influenza can circulate in the community all year round, it’s never too late to get the flu vaccine.

Free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program

The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over

  • Children aged 6 months to under 5 years

  • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy

  • People aged 65 years or 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

    • immunocompromising conditions

    • haematological disorders

    • chronic metabolic disorder

    • chronic kidney disease

    • chronic neurological condition

    • long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years.

If you’re not eligible for a free flu vaccination, you can still get vaccinated at The Pharmacy Common for a small fee.

Get the flu vaccine at The Pharmacy Common

Protecting yourself and your community from the flu starts at The Pharmacy Common.

After a short consult with a professionally trained and compassionate pharmacist, you can get your flu vaccine right here in-store in Richmond.

Our team is here to answer any questions, help determine your eligibility for the flu vaccine and provide you with expert, trusted advice based on your circumstances.