CCQ Flu FAQ for the 2023 Season

With autumn in full swing and a noticeable nip in the air, now is an opportune time to book in for your annual flu shot. Influenza can have a significant impact on vulnerable members of our community. This includes the elderly, Indigenous Australians, pregnant women and young children who can get their 2023 flu shot for free.

Getting your flu shot in Queensland has never been more convenient! 2023 Flu vaccinations are available for Queenslanders aged 6 months and above at your nearby GP or participating pharmacy.

We’ve put together the following FluFAQs to provide answers to any questions you may have about the flu shot.

Go to your local GP or use the Find a Pharmacy link to locate your nearest participating pharmacist. Click here.

The flu can be a serious disease. While most people who catch flu will simply feel unwell for a week or two in some cases it can lead to hospitalisation, complications such as heart disease, lung disease, and occasionally even death.

Although flu can strike any time, it usually peaks in August, however the flu is circulating earlier in QLD this season. To maximise protection during this period, it's recommended to get vaccinated as soon as vaccine is available in April/May. The vaccine is most  effective for 3 to 4 months following vaccination.

Finding the annual flu shot is easy for Queenslanders as it is available at numerous locations. You can ask your GP or a local pharmacist for a flu shot. Use the findapharmacy website to locate your local pharmacy. 

Certain medical conditions mean you are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu, so you should get your annual flu shot. Aways consult with your health professional. However, certain medical conditions such as cardiac disease, Chronic respiratory conditions, chronic neurological conditions, immunocompromising conditions and diabetes are just some of the medical conditions associated with an increased risk of influenza disease complications. Flu vaccines are free for people with these conditions.

The flu vaccine doesn't contain active viruses and therefore it cannot give you the flu.  

Yes. It's important to get a flu shot once a year, starting at 6 months of age, to protect yourself against the flu virus.

Children under nine years receiving their influenza vaccination for the first time require two doses of vaccine, spaced by a minimum of one month. If your child has already received a flu shot previously – then they only need one.

Flu vaccines prompt the production of antibodies in your body. Antibodies take time to build – while you’re busy going about your day, inside, your immune system is working hard in preparation to guard against the flu to minimise it’s impact if you contract it.

There are different vaccines for different age groups, with the chart indicating the 2023 approved flu vaccine by age. Your local doctor or pharmacist will know which vaccine is best for you.

Influenza vaccines can given on the same day, at the same time, with any COVID-19 vaccine.

It is a myth that you can catch a cold or the flu from cold weather or being caught in the rain. In fact, both a cold and flu are caused by viruses, not weather. 

During cooler months, we tend to spend more time indoors with more contact.

Important information from the Department of Health and Ageing