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Who can have the funded influenza vaccine

Influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over every year. Anyone who wants to protect themselves against influenza can talk to their vaccination provider about getting vaccinated.

People at highest risk of serious illness from influenza virus and its complications are eligible for a funded vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). You may have to pay an administration fee to receive your vaccine.

Who can receive the free vaccine

The government funded vaccine is available under the National Immunisation Program for:

When to get the influenza vaccine

The best time to get the influenza vaccine is before the start of the influenza season, which is typically around May in Australia . It takes about two weeks to develop immunity.  You are best protected in the 3 to 4 months after vaccination.

It's never too late to get the influenza vaccine as infections can happen year-round.

Where to get the influenza vaccine

Find out where to get the influenza vaccine.

Side effects

The most common side effects after influenza vaccination are redness, pain and swelling where you received the injection.

You may also have fever, sore muscles, and tiredness but these usually only last one to two days.

Symptoms can mimic influenza infection but are due to the vaccine’s interaction with the immune system. Influenza vaccines currently available in Australia do not contain live virus, so cannot cause influenza.

Find out more about common side effects from vaccination.

Administration at the same time as other vaccines

You can receive the influenza vaccine with other vaccines, including COVID-19, RSV and pertussis vaccines.

More information

For more information about influenza vaccination, contact the ACT Health Immunisation Unit during business hours on 02 5124 9800.