Flu vaccinations

When to get the flu vaccine

• A flu vaccine every year gives you protection against becoming severely unwell with flu.  
• This helps protect you, your family and the community from flu. 
• It is best to have a flu vaccine from mid-April to give the best protection before the peak of the flu season.  

Who can receive a free flu vaccine?

Flu vaccination is available from GPs and most local pharmacies. People at greater risk of severe illness from influenza can get a free vaccine. Speak to your GP, healthcare provider or local pharmacy to book an appointment.

People at greater risk and eligible for free flu vaccine through GPs and most pharmacies are:

• All children aged between six months and five years 
• All adults aged 65 years and over 
• Pregnant women (at any stage in your pregnancy) 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age 
• All people over 6 months of age with chronic medical conditions. 

This year the Tasmanian Government will also be running free flu vaccination clinics

The Tasmanian Government is expanding the flu vaccination program for 4 weeks by funding free flu vaccine through GPs and pharmacists. This means that starting Monday 6 June all Tasmanians aged 6 months and over will be able to get a free flu vaccination.

All age groups 6 months and over will have access to free flu vaccinations at GPs and state-run community clinics. Participating pharmacies can provide free flu vaccinations to those aged 10 years and over.

Speak to your GP, healthcare provider or local pharmacy to book an appointment. Normal Medicare arrangements will apply for GP consultations.

To increase your protection against the flu this winter, we encourage you and your family to take advantage of this scheme and get a free vaccination.

Find your nearest community clinic to book an appointment online or ring the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

What are chronic medical conditions?

• Heart disease 
• Lung disease 
• Liver disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Severe asthma 
• Diabetes 
• Cancer 
• A weak immune system (from illness or medical treatment) 
• Neuromuscular conditions (affecting your muscles and nerves). 

Where to get your flu vaccine

• Flu vaccines are available through your GP and some local council immunisation clinics and pharmacies. Phone to confirm Influenza vaccine availability before attending.
• Tasmanian Government flu vaccination clinics. Find out more about the tas-gov flu vaccine clinics and eligibility.

Side effects from the flu vaccine

• Side effects are if you feel sick following your vaccine. 
• Common side effects are usually mild, don’t last long and go away without any treatment, like pain and swelling at the injection site.  
• Fever is less common. 
• There is no live virus in the vaccines used in Australia. 
• It is not possible for the flu vaccine to give you the flu.   
• If you have any concerns or questions about the flu vaccine, please discuss with your GP. 

Information about allergies

• Most types of flu vaccines contain a very small amount of egg protein. 
• If you have a mild egg allergy, you can still have the flu vaccine. 
• If you have a severe egg allergy or a history of severe allergic reaction following flu vaccination, talk to your doctor about the vaccine. 
• The vaccine may be given to you by a doctor experienced in managing severe allergic conditions. 

Information about flu vaccines and coronavirus (COVID-19)

•  You can now have your COVID-19 and flu vaccines on the same day or close together.  
• Speak to your GP about when it is best for you to receive your flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.  

Learn more about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Community COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics

This year the Tasmanian Government are running free community COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics for people aged 5 and over. This means you can go to the one location and receive COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine as well as flu vaccine.

Bookings are preferred however walk-ins are also welcome.

Find out more about free community COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics