PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE FLU

How much does it cost?

The cost of the flu vaccination is $24.95.

Can I get the flu vaccine for free?

The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program provides a free flu vaccine to eligible people, including:

• Children from 6 months to under 5 years of age
• People with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months of age
• People who are 65 years of age and over.

Eligible people get the vaccine at no cost, but a consultation fee of $14.95 will be charged for the visit.

Can I have my Flu vaccine at the same time as my COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine.

Having the flu vaccine continues to be the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications.

The vaccination may not always prevent you from becoming unwell but it can still help to reduce the severity and/or duration of influenza. It may also potentially prevent further serious complications, including pneumonia and going to hospital.

Vaccination is recommended for anyone who may transmit influenza to children or adults at increased risk of influenza complications (e.g. parents of children with medical conditions and healthcare workers) and those traveling during the influenza season.

Who will give me my Flu Vaccination?

Your Flu Vaccination will be given by one of our trained pharmacists or a Nurse. There is no need to see a doctor to get a script first, the vaccine will be administered in-store in a safe and professional environment.

Who can be vaccinated at Blue Cross Pharmacy?

The Flu vaccination service is for individuals 5 years of age and older. The Pharmacist will assess you on the day to make sure the Flu Vaccination is suitable.

Will it hurt?

It can hurt, but only a little bit. You may have a sore arm and redness for a day or two afterwards.

Does the flu vaccine give you the flu?

There is no live virus in the flu vaccine, so you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. 

I had the flu vaccine last year, do I need to get it this year?

It is important to get the vaccination every year, as the virus changes each year. In addition, the protection from the previous year’s vaccination diminishes over time. 

When should I get the Flu Vaccine?

The best time to get vaccinated is from April to May, before peak flu season which usually occurs between June and September. Protection from the Flu Vaccine does not occur immediately, it can take approximately two to three weeks.

How long will the appointment take?

We ask that you allow 20 minutes for your vaccination as you must remain for 15 minutes afterwards to observe for any adverse reaction to the injection.

Are there any side effects to the flu vaccine?

Most side effects are very mild and short term (normally lasting no more than 48 hours).

They may include drowsiness or tiredness, muscle aches, localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, an injection-site lump (a nodule that may last many weeks but needs no treatment) and low-grade temperature (fever).

Very rarely an allergic (anaphylactic) reaction may occur to the vaccine. Blue Cross Pharmacy is located adjacent to Blue Cross Medical Centre so that if there are any concerns after the administration of the vaccine, there are Doctors and Nurses on site ready to assist.

Are you able to let my GP know that I have received the vaccine?

Yes, we are required by law to notify your nominated GP. Your vaccination record will also be uploaded to the Australian Immunisation Register.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring your Medicare card as we need this number to upload your record into the Australian Immunisation Register.

You can book an appointment by Clicking Here.

You can also make an enquiry below.