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COLLINGWOOD VIC 3066
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Vaccination is the best defence against the Flu.
By getting your flu vaccination you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re also protecting vulnerable people who cannot receive the vaccine themselves such as young babies less than six months old and those who have low immunity.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Vaccinations by a qualified Pharmacist
Private consultation rooms
No script required
What is the flu?
Influenza (flu) is a contagious illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. It can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. Influenza is spread by contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Flu is not the same as a common cold. While a cold and the flu are both caused by viruses, and some of the symptoms are similar, the symptoms of flu are more severe and last longer than those of a cold. Flu is a serious disease that can lead to:
Bronchitis
Croup
Ear infections
Heart and other organ damage
Brain inflammation and brain damage
Death
What are the signs and symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms usually start about 1 to 3 days after catching the flu and can last for a week or more. Some people can be mildly affected, while others can become seriously ill. Symptoms include:
Runny or blocked nose
Sneezing
Dry or chesty cough
Sore throat
Fever
Chills
Headache
Body aches
The flu can cause serious complications, particularly in children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.
How to relieve flu symptoms?
Influenza is highly contagious. Most flu symptoms improve within 7 to 10 days and without any treatment.
To relieve flu symptoms and avoid spreading the virus:
Stay home
Rest and keep warm
Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic fluids to prevent dehydration
Practice safe hygiene – wash hands regularly and cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke if possible
There are also several medicines available to ease cold and flu symptoms, such as pain and fever
How does the flu vaccine help?
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from serious disease caused by influenza. By getting vaccinated against influenza, you can also help protect other people, especially people who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.
Annual immunisation is recommended as the influenza virus is constantly changing, and the vaccine changes accordingly.
FLU VACCINE FAQ
What is the flu vaccine?
The flu (influenza) vaccine contains inactive particles that stimulate the body’s natural immune response to build resistance to infection. Each year, the strains within the flu vaccine are updated on the recommendation of the World Health Organisation based on global information.
Why should I consider getting the flu vaccine?
Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australia. Although it can be a mild disease, it can also cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people. Annual immunisation is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and reducing the spread within the community.
When should I get vaccinated?
The best time to have a flu vaccination is in April or May each year, prior to the peak of the flu season, which usually occurs between June and September. This is because your immunity is strongest and most effective 3 to 4 months after you are vaccinated.
Can I get the flu vaccine and still get the flu?
The flu vaccine provides the best protection available against the flu and reduces the risk of illness. The vaccine is not effective in absolutely every case and some people may still catch the virus after having the flu shot.
What type of vaccines does Soul Pattinson Chemist provide?
The flu vaccines provided by Soul Pattinson Chemist are quadrivalent (four-strain) vaccines, in line with World Health Organisation recommendations. These flu vaccines are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Do I need a prescription to get the flu vaccine?
A prescription is not required if the Pharmacist is administering the flu vaccine.
Is there a delay between when I receive the flu vaccine, and when it starts to work?
Immunity following vaccination does not occur immediately. It generally takes two to three weeks for the vaccine to become effective and the body to develop immunity after vaccination.
Are there any side effects of the influenza vaccine?
The influenza vaccine may cause side effects including:
Soreness, redness, itching and/or swelling at the injection site
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Mild fever
Headache
These symptoms usually resolve within two days but if you have any concerns, please speak to your Pharmacist or healthcare professional.
In some instances, there may also be a risk of other side effects such as fainting. If you have Guillain-Barre syndrome, there may be a risk of neurological symptoms. If either of these are relevant for you, please inform your Pharmacist before your vaccine.
Can I have a flu vaccine if I’m pregnant?
The flu vaccine is safe for both you and your baby when given during pregnancy. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) strongly recommends influenza vaccination for pregnant women to protect both the mother and the baby. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free* flu vaccinations to pregnant women.
Please see the “What is the National Immunisation Program?” section for more information about NIP flu vaccinations or speak to your GP or Pharmacist at Soul Pattinson Chemist before booking your appointment.
Can everyone have the flu vaccine?
The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccine every year. The flu can affect people of all ages, however it’s particularly important for a number of people who are at higher risk than others:
• Babies
• People over 65 years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin adults over 15 years
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions
• People who are obese
• People who smoke
• People who haven’t been vaccinated against the flu
Children under nine years receiving their influenza vaccination for the first time require two doses of vaccine, spaced by a minimum of one month.
Who shouldn’t have the flu vaccine?
Children younger than 6 months of age, people with severe or life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or ingredients in the flu vaccine shouldn’t have a flu vaccine. If you have an egg allergy, please speak to your doctor or Pharmacist about the cell-based flu vaccine.
Can I have a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccination?
Yes, you can have a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. Studies show that co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines is safe and produces a good immune response.
Can I leave the pharmacy immediately after having the flu vaccine?
We recommend that you remain in store for 15 minutes after receiving your vaccination so that the Pharmacist can monitor for any reactions and answer any queries or concerns you may have.
What is the National Immunisation Program?
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) is a series of immunisations given at specific times throughout your life. The immunisations range from birth through to adulthood.
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
chronic neurological conditions
immunocompromising conditions
diabetes and other metabolic disorders
renal disease
haematological disorders
children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
State and Territory legislation varies for patients able to vaccinated in pharmacies with a free* flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program. Please see the table below for more information or speak to your Pharmacist at Soul Pattinson Chemist to confirm eligibility for a free* flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program.
State
National Immunisation Program (NIP)*
ACT
65 years and over
NSW
65 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 5 years and over
Pregnancy
People with specific medical conditions 5 years and over
NT
NA
QLD
65 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Pregnancy
People with specific medical conditions
Children 6 months to 5 years
SA
65 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 5 years and over
Pregnancy
People with specific medical conditions 5 years and over
TAS
65 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 10 years and over
Pregnancy
People with specific medical conditions 10 years and over
VIC
65 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 5 years and over
Pregnancy
People with specific medical conditions 5 years and over
WA
65 years and over
Is there a minimum age to receive the flu vaccine at Soul Pattinson Chemist?
The minimum age a Pharmacist can administer a flu vaccination depends on the state or territory legislation. Please see the table below for more information about age restrictions or speak to your Pharmacist at Soul Pattinson Chemist.
State
Age
ACT
5 years and over
NSW
5 years and over
NT
10 years or older
QLD
6 months or older#
SA
5 years and over
TAS
5 years and over
VIC
5 years and over
WA
5 years and over
What vaccine should I receive if I am aged 65 years or older?
People aged 65 years and older can receive an adjuvanted flu vaccine designed to provide increased protection by creating a greater immune response.
If you are 65 years or over, please speak to your GP or Soul Pattinson Chemist Pharmacist before booking your appointment as you may be eligible for a free* flu immunisation through the National Immunisation Program.
I was recently vaccinated against the flu with the 2022 vaccine, do I need to get vaccinated with the 2023 variant?
Yes, ATAGI clinic advice suggests if a person had a 2022 influenza vaccine in late 2022 or early 2023, that they are still recommended to receive a 2023 formulation of influenza vaccine when it becomes available.
How much does the vaccination cost?
The cost of the flu vaccination and cell-based flu vaccine may vary from store to store. Please contact your local Soul Pattinson Chemist store for more information.
The cost may be reduced if you are eligible for a NIP-funded vaccine and the state or territory you live in allows pharmacies access to the NIP (see table above).
Please note that pharmacies administering NIP vaccines may charge a professional service fee.
How do I find my nearest Soul Pattinson Chemist for a flu vaccination?
To find a Soul Pattinson Chemist store for a flu vaccination, click here
Do I need to book an appointment for a flu vaccination?
We recommend making a booking for your flu vaccination here , however, some Soul Pattinson Chemist stores may accept walk ins depending on flu vaccination and Pharmacist availability.
Have you, or any of your family members not had your flu shot yet?
It’s not too late! Contact your local Soul Pattinson Chemist or book online today.
Terms & Conditions
Available at select Soul Pattinson Chemist stores.
*Customers eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will receive the vaccine at no cost. You may be charged a professional service fee for the consultation. Not all pharmacies are eligible to supply NIP vaccines.
# Some pharmacies are unable to vaccinate children under 5 years of age.
We may be required to collect and provide your personal information to a third party for the purpose of vaccine administration in accordance with Australian regulations and our privacy policy.
