FAQ – INFLUENZA (FLU)

Influenza Information

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection caused by infection with influenza viruses. It mainly affects the throat and lungs, but it can also cause problems with the heart and other parts of the body.

The influenza virus is easily spread by coughing, sneezing and by contact with contaminated hands and surfaces. Infected people are contagious from approximately one day before symptoms start until three to five days after. It is different from the common cold.

Just 2 months into 2025, there have been over 25,000 cases of the flu reported to health services. This number does not include people self-testing and not reporting to the health department*.

Individuals affected by the flu may have mild symptoms, however others can be restricted to bed for a week or more and unable to work or care for their family. For some people, flu can cause severe illness, hospitalisation and life-threatening complications.
https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/news-data/influenza-statistics/

Who is at risk of influenza?

Anyone can get influenza. Those most likely to develop complications from influenza include children, pregnant women, the elderly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with other health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, renal disease, neurological conditions and those with lowered immunity.

How is the flu vaccine made?

Egg-based vaccines such as FluQuadri and FluadQuad are made based on technology developed in the 1940’s. Growing influenza viruses in eggs is the oldest way of making flu vaccines. Scientists inject a live virus into an egg, let the virus replicate, collect the replicates, purify them, and then kill them. They use those inactivated (dead) viruses to make the flu vaccine. The inactivated virus, along with other ingredients like stabilizers and preservatives, is formulated into a vaccine. The final vaccine is rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before being distributed for use. To read how vaccines are approved in Australia click here. Want to know more about the types of vaccines and the difference between flu vaccines and covid vaccines, click here

How does the vaccine work?

The vaccine strengthens your immunity to protect against influenza. It contains an inactive part of the influenza virus that trains your immune system to recognise and fight the infection. The vaccine reduces your chances of getting influenza. But if you do get it, the vaccine lowers your risk of developing serious illness which could lead to hospitalisation.

I had a flu shot last year why do I need another one?

There are two main reasons for getting an influenza vaccine every year, to give you the best protection:

• I. Flu viruses are frequently changing and vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the most recent and common circulating strains. The strains for 2025 in the egg based vaccine are:
  A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)- like virus
  B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus, B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus
  To read more about this years recommendations click here
• II. A person’s immune protection from influenza vaccination declines over time and annual vaccination is recommended.

Will I get the flu from the flu shot?

No, you cannot catch the flu from the flu shot. The influenza vaccine is composed of Inactivated (dead) influenza strains. A general feeling of unwellness is the body creating the antibodies it needs to fight off the flu virus. It can take up to 2 weeks for your body to build its immunity after your vaccination.

Are there side effects of the flu vaccine?

Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild. They may start a few hours after vaccination and generally last less than 1-2 days. Side effects may include:

• localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
• a small, hard lump (nodule) at the injection-site (can last 1-2 weeks)
• drowsiness or tiredness
• muscle aches
• A low-grade temperature (fever), which may be managed with
• Very rarely, more serious side effects can occur following administration of the flu vaccine. They can include hives, angioedema and If you are concerned that your side effects are severe or persistent, please contact your GP, visit your nearest Urgent Care Clinic, hospital emergency department or call ‘000’ immediately.

How can I prevent getting and spreading the flu?

• Having an annual vaccination each year between April and June prior to the peak of the flu season (June – September) is your best protection.
• Observing good hand hygiene, including regular and thorough hand washing with soap or hand sanitiser reduces the spread of the virus.
• Coughing etiquette, including the use of a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and disposing of the tissue immediately.
• Stay at home while you are In particular, avoid going to work or school or visiting busy public places.

How do I book an appointment for my workplace vaccination?

You can make an online booking by following the link provided to secure your appointment. You must complete the mandatory fields and consent form as directed on the page.

Will I receive an email confirmation with my booking?

Yes, you will receive an email confirmation with your booking details. Your confirmation will be directed to the email address provided on the booking form. If you cannot find your confirmation in your inbox, please check your junk mail for support@fluger.  You will also receive a calendar invite for your appointment, be sure to add this to your calendar.

How do I change my appointment?

If for any reason you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, your booking can be changed through your email confirmation.  Use the RESCHEDULE or CANCEL link at the bottom, this will direct you back to the booking page to choose a new appointment.  Please remember to delete your old calendar appointment.

What do I do if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your scheduled appointment for any reason, you can make another appointment if there is another onsite session at your workplace, through the booking system. Rescheduling missed appointments is subject to availability.

Do I receive a record of the flu vaccination?

Your Influenza vaccination is recorded to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). For this reason, you are asked to provide your Full Name, Date of Birth, residential postcode & Medicare Card details (if you have one) when making an appointment in order for Health Watch Australia to record your influenza vaccination with AIR. You will be able to access your influenza vaccination record through your myGov account within 24hrs of your vaccination.

 

For more information on the vaccine itself follow the below links:
FluQuardi Consumer Medical Information (CMI)
FluadQuad (Over 65) Consumer Medical Information (CMI)

For current information on covid vaccinations click here