Flu vaccinations

• All Tasmanians should consider having a flu vaccine from 6 months of age. 
• It is very important if you work in healthcare, childcare, or aged care. 
• It is also important if you live or work with people who are older, sick or have special needs.  

When to get the flu vaccine

• You need a flu vaccine every year to stay protected. 
• This helps protect you, your family and community from flu. 
• It is best to have a flu vaccine from mid-April.  

Who can receive a free flu vaccine?

• 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. 

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

• Free flu vaccines are available through your GP. 
• Check if your GP charges a consultation fee to see you. 
• If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccine, speak to your GP or pharmacist.  

Side effects from the flu vaccine

• Side effects are if you feel sick from your vaccine. 
• Common side effects are usually mild. 
• They tend to get better quickly without needing treatment.  
• Common side effects are mild pain and swelling at the injection site.  
• Fever is less common. 
• It is not possible for the flu vaccine to give you the flu.   
• There is no live virus in the vaccines used in Australia. 
• 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, talk to your doctor about the vaccine. 
• The vaccine can be given to you by a person experienced in severe allergic conditions. 

Information about flu vaccines and coronavirus (COVID-19)

•  You can now have your COVID-19 and flu vaccines 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).

Download a fact sheet about the flu vaccination and COVID-19

Where to get more information

• Public Health Hotline – phone 1800 671 738 
• Immunise Australia – phone 1800 671 811  
• Australian Government flu website
• Australian Government flu (influenza) immunisation service