Easy-to-read medicine information about the flu vaccine – what is it, when is it given and possible side effects.
What is the flu vaccine?
Influenza vaccine (also called flu vaccine) is used to prevent infection caused by the influenza ("flu") virus. The flu can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health problems, but anyone can become seriously ill from the flu virus. Even if you are not feeling sick, you could still be infected with the flu virus and pass it on to others. Read more about influenza.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and reduce the seriousness of illness if you become infected. It will greatly improve your chances of not getting the flu, but it does not give 100% protection.
The flu vaccine works by making your immune system produce special cells called antibodies that will attack and kill the flu virus when it enters your body. This means that if you get infected with the flu these protective antibodies are already in your bloodstream to quickly fight off the germs.
Even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, you will usually get a mild form of it – and will recover faster and be less likely to have serious complications.
Make sure you get vaccinated every year
It’s important to get the flu vaccine every year because protection from the previous vaccination becomes less effective over time and each year the flu vaccine is developed to match the different strains of flu virus you are likely to encounter. In New Zealand, you can get your flu vaccine from 1 April each year – you should get the vaccine before winter when the flu is most widespread.
It is possible to come in contact with flu viruses all year round, but the chance of the flu virus circulating in the community is highest during winter. For most people, the best time to be vaccinated against influenza is just before the start of the winter season – in New Zealand, this would between April and June. It takes 2 weeks after vaccination for the vaccine to be fully effective. You may still get the flu in this time if you come into contact with the virus, so get it done early in time for winter.
Pregnant women
If you become pregnant after winter and have not received the current flu vaccine, it is recommended that you can have it up to and including 31 December.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Any one over the age of 6 months can have the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is free for people who are considered to be at greater risk of complications from the flu:
65 years and over
pregnant women (any trimester)
under 65 who have certain medical conditions
children aged 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
under 18 living in some regional areas.
Check with your doctor if you are uncertain about whether you qualify for a free flu vaccine. Read more about the eligibility criteria.
The vaccination is also recommended (although may not be free), for those who are in close contact with people with weakened immune systems who may be less able to fight off the flu or who are at high risk of complications from the flu. Frontline healthcare workers usually have the vaccine funded by their employer.
Who should not get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine may not be suitable or need to be delayed for people receiving any of the following four cancer treatments:
atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ®)
ipilimumab (YERVOY®)
nivolumab (OPDIVO®)
pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®)
These are the only four cancer treatments in New Zealand that require influenza vaccination to be delayed. Please contact the person’s oncologist or 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) for current advice about influenza vaccination for these people BEFORE administering the vaccine.
If you have a fever your doctor may recommend postponing the vaccination until you are well.
If you have had a severe allergic reaction or Guillain Baree Syndrome following the flu vaccine in the past, let your doctor know before having another flu vaccination.
Dose
The vaccine is given by injection into the muscle such as the muscle on your upper arm. If you have a condition that makes you bleed more easily than normal, it may be given as an injection underneath your skin. Babies and toddlers are given the injection on the side of their thigh.
Adults and children 9 years and older: only one dose of the vaccine is required to achieve protection for the season.
Children aged between 6 months and under 9 years: two doses of the vaccine are required, with the second dose given at least 4 weeks after the first. Children in this age group who have received an influenza vaccine at any time in the past require only one dose.
What about side effects?
Like all medicines, the flu vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
Side effects
What should I do?
Pain, swelling, or redness around the injection site
This is quite common after having the vaccination.
It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days.
Place a cold, wet cloth, or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time.
These are quite common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the injection.
It usually settles within a few days.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Because paracetamol or ibuprofen can interfere with your immunisation response to a vaccine, only take them for relief of severe discomfort or high fever.
Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist. Reviewed By: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland
Last reviewed: 28 Mar 2019
Frequently asked questions about the flu vaccine
Here are some common questions people ask about the flu vaccine.
What are the benefits of the flu vaccination?
Getting the flu vaccination is the best way to protect against getting the flu.
You will have fewer days away from work or school.
Even if you still catch flu despite having the vaccination, your symptoms are likely to be milder.
Having a flu vaccine every year can keep older people healthy and active for longer.
When given to pregnant women, it protects the mother and her baby against the flu.
You will help protect vulnerable people in your community, such as very young children, elderly people and people with long-term health conditions. Even if you don't feel sick, you could still be infected with the flu and pass it on to others.
How well does the flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine is not 100% effective. However, on average it halves the number of people who get the flu. This has a significant effect on the amount of flu circulating in the community, as well as on healthcare services and admissions to hospital.
Those who respond least well to the flu vaccine are those who are at most risk of complications from the flu – very young children, elderly people and people with long-term health conditions. This is why it’s a good idea for everyone else to get the flu vaccination – it’s a way to help the more vulnerable members of our community.
Dr Nikki Turner explains more about the effectiveness of the flu vaccine.
(Immunisation Advisory Centre, 2016)
Why do I need a flu shot every year?
You need to get the flu vaccine every year because protection from the previous vaccination becomes less effective over time and each year the flu vaccine is developed to match the different strains of flu virus that is likely to be in New Zealand. The new vaccine is usually made available in early April. Get your vaccination before winter when the flu is most prevalent. Occasionally the vaccine strains are the same for more than one year, but it is still recommended that you have the vaccine each year, as the protection provided by the vaccine lessens over time.
If I’m fit and healthy, do I need to have the flu vaccine?
Although people with underlying medical conditions, like asthma and diabetes, are most at risk of complications from the flu, healthy adults, children and infants can still become seriously ill and even die from the flu. Also, healthy people can spread the flu to others around them.
Can pregnant women have the flu vaccine?
Yes, it is strongly recommended that pregnant women get the flu vaccine. It can be given in any trimester. Pregnant women are more likely to get severe complications from the flu than non-pregnant women, and it can be dangerous for their unborn baby too. Protection passed from the mother in pregnancy can protect her newborn as well. The flu vaccine has been proven to have an excellent safety record for both pregnant women and their unborn babies. Read more about pregnancy and immunisation.
Can breastfeeding women have the flu vaccine?
Yes, the flu vaccine can safely be given to breastfeeding women. Protecting the mother can help prevent her becoming infected and transmitting the flu to her baby. Breastfeeding may offer some protection against the flu.
Where can I get vaccinated against the flu?
You can get the flu vaccine by making a single visit to your doctor or practice nurse. You may also be able to get the flu vaccine from some community pharmacies.
For a list of pharmacies offering flu vaccinations this year, click here
If you live or work with people more likely to have complications from the flu or if you work in an essential service (such as police, hospital workers, teachers, etc), ask your doctor or practice nurse about getting vaccinated. Some workplaces will arrange for flu vaccination for employees each year before the onset of winter. For a list of companies that offer workplace flu vaccinations, click here
Who can get the flu vaccine for free?
The flu vaccine is free for New Zealanders who are:
65 years and over
pregnant women (any trimester)
under 65 who have certain medical conditions
children aged 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
under 18 living in some regional areas.
Check with your doctor if you are uncertain about whether you qualify for a free flu vaccine. Read more about eligibility.
Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?
The vaccine cannot cause the flu because it does not contain any live viruses. Rather it contains a less virulent strain of the virus which is capable of stimulating an immune response and creating immunity but not causing the illness. Most people generally tolerate the vaccine well.
Any after-effects from the vaccine are usually mild and last a day or two, eg:
soreness, aching and/or redness at the injection site
tiredness, feeling a little unwell or having a mild fever.
These after-effects are signs your immune system is working with the vaccine. It is important to let your doctor know if you have any more severe reaction to the flu vaccination, or if you are at all concerned.
Do I need the flu vaccine if I am travelling?
Whether or not you are at high risk for the complications of flu, you should consider getting a flu vaccination before travelling overseas because studies have shown that the flu is the most commonly contracted vaccine-preventable disease amongst international travellers.
Flu outbreaks have been linked to travellers.
Certain types of travel where large numbers of people are likely to be in close proximity, such as cruise ship voyages or events that include mass gatherings are particularly high risk. In tropical countries, influenza activity can occur throughout the year, so vaccination is worthwhile regardless of the season.
In temperate climates in the Northern Hemisphere activity is more common between the months of December and March.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I have an allergy to egg?
Yes, the flu vaccines brands INFLUVAC TETRA, and FLUARIX TETRA are safe in people with egg allergy or anaphylaxis.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I am taking anticoagulant therapy?
Yes, the flu vaccine can be given to people on anticoagulants, including aspirin, dabigatran (PRADAXA®), enoxaparin (CLEXANE®), heparin, and warfarin. After vaccination, apply firm pressure over the injection site without rubbing for 10 minutes to reduce the risk of bruising.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I have latex allergy?
If you are allergic to latex, tell your healthcare provider before getting the flu vaccine. The INFLUVAC® TETRA brand of flu vaccine cannot be considered latex-free but the FLUARIX® TETRA brand is latex-free.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I am taking other medicines?
The flu vaccine may need to be delayed for people receiving some new cancer treatments such as atezolizumab, ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab. The immune-stimulant actions of these medicines can increase your risk of developing autoimmune conditions. Contact your oncologist for advice before having the vaccine.
All children from 6 months of age can benefit from yearly flu immunisation. It is especially important for children with certain long-term health conditions. It's also important for women in pregnancy.
Key points
The flu (influenza) can be a serious and sometimes life-threatening viral infection.
It is not the same as having a bad cold.
Even if your child is fit and healthy, they can easily catch the flu.
All children from 6 months of age can benefit from yearly flu immunisation.
It is especially important, and free, for children with certain long-term health conditions, who may develop complications from the flu.
Regular hand washing, covering mouths when coughing and keeping sick people away from healthy people will also reduce the spread of flu.
Make sure your family is ready to prevent the flu each year – ask your nurse or doctor about flu immunisation, including its cost, or phone 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863).
How easy is it to catch the flu?
The flu virus is very easy to catch and can affect anyone –it doesn't matter how fit and healthy your child is. It can spread through the air by coughing and sneezing as well as by hands, cups and other objects that have been in contact with an infected person's mouth or nose.
Can I do anything to prevent my child catching the flu?
Flu immunisation offers the best protection. It strengthens your child's ability to fight the flu. Regular hand washing, covering mouths when coughing, and keeping sick people away from healthy people also reduces the risk of spreading the flu.
Which children need flu immunisation?
All children from 6 months of age can benefit from flu immunisation. By immunising your child (or children), especially if they go to preschool, creche or daycare, you can protect them and your family.
Flu immunisation is especially important for children with certain long-term (chronic) health conditions. This is because these children are most likely to develop complications from the flu, such as chest infections. If your child does have a long-term condition, make sure they have their flu immunisation every year before the winter starts.
When is flu immunisation available?
In 2019, your child can have flu immunisation from 1 April.
Where is flu immunisation available?
Your child can have their flu immunisation at your family doctor some pharmacies.
How many doses of the flu vaccine does my child need?
Children between6months and 9 years of age:
for their first flu immunisation, they need 2 doses, 4 weeks apart
they only need 1 dose if they have had previous flu immunisation.
Children 9 years of age or older:
1 dose.
Which flu immunisations are available for my child?
children aged 6-35 months will have Fluarix Tetra®
children over 3 years will have Influvac Tetra®.
Is flu immunisation free for my child?
Your family doctor or practice nurse can tell you whether or not flu immunisation is free for your child. You can also phone the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) on 0800 466 863. If you do have to pay, it's around $30 but check the exact price with your family doctor or pharmacy.
Flu immunisation is likely to be free if you answer 'yes' to any of these questions
does your child have asthma and regularly use a preventer medicine (brown, orange, red or purple inhaler)?
is your child aged 4 years or under and has a significant respiratory illness or been in hospital for a respiratory illness (such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, asthma)?
does your child have a heart condition (such as congenital heart disease or rheumatic heart disease)?
does your child have cancer?
does your child have an ongoing chest (respiratory) condition, such as bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis?
does your child have diabetes?
does your child have ongoing kidney (renal) disease?
does your child have HIV or AIDS, an auto-immune disease or another immune deficiency?
If you answered no to the questions, there is likely to be a cost
If you answered 'no' to all these questions, there is likely to be a cost for flu immunisation for your child. Check with your nurse or doctor.
It's a good idea to have flu immunisation if you share a house with children who have long-term conditions
Flu immunisation is also recommended for those sharing a house with children and young people with long-term (chronic) medical conditions. The flu spreads rapidly within households and children are particularly efficient spreaders. It may not be free for household members - they could ask their employer about free or subsidised flu immunisation as many employers offer this to their employees. Flu immunisation is free for some adults; for example, all those over 65 years of age and those with certain long-term conditions.
Should I have flu immunisation if I'm pregnant?
Flu immunisation offers protection in pregnancy. Flu is likely to be more severe in pregnancy and can affect the mother and the unborn baby. Flu immunisation also offers some protection to the newborn baby.
Your child cannot get the flu from flu immunisation - there is no live virus in flu immunisation. Many people confuse colds with the flu. There are many other viruses in the community which flu immunisation will not protect against.
Can flu immunisation make my child sick?
Most people have no reaction to flu immunisation. Anyone can have flu immunisation except those who have had a previous severe allergic reaction to flu immunisation. Sometimes your child may have one or more of the following responses: soreness, redness, or swelling where the immunisation was given fever aches These are usually mild and only last 1 or 2 days.
Can my child still get the flu even if they have had flu immunisation?
Immunisation is not 100 percent effective for all people, so some immunised people may still get the flu. If they do, symptoms are usually milder than if they had not had flu immunisation. If you'd like to know more about the effectiveness of flu immunisation, see theinfluenza immunisation information on the IMAC website.
This section will be of most interest to clinicians (eg, nurses, doctors, pharmacists and specialists).
Funded influenza vaccines for 2018
INFLUVAC® TETRA
For adults and children aged 3 years or older.
Distributuion of INFLUVAC® TETRA will commence on 3 April 2018.
FLUARIX® TETRA
For children aged under 3 years, i.e. 6–35 months.
This vaccine is expected to be available in mid-April
Dose
Age
Funded vaccine brand
Dose
Number of dose
6-35 months
FLUARIX® TETRA
0.5 mL
1 or 2*
3-8 years
INFLUVAC® TETRA
0.5 mL
1 or 2*
≥ 9 years
INFLUVAC® TETRA
0.5 mL
1
* Two doses separated by at least 4 weeks if an influenza vaccine is being used for the first time
Egg allergy or anaphylaxis
INFLUVAC® TETRA and FLUARIX® TETRA can be safely given to people with egg allergy or anaphylaxis at GPs, pharmacies or at the workplace. Studies have shown that influenza vaccines containing less than 1 microgram of ovalbumin do not trigger anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
Influenza vaccination may be contraindicated or need to be delayed for people receiving some new cancer treatments.
atezolizumab (Tecentriq®)
ipilimumab (Yervoy®)
nivolumab (Opdivo®)
pembrolizumab (Keytruda®)
The immune-stimulant actions of these cancer treatments on the immune system increase a person’s risk of developing autoimmune conditions.
It is not known whether receipt of an influenza vaccine whilst receiving these treatments or for up to 6 months after treatment increases a theoretical risk of triggering the occurrence of these side effects.
Contact the person’s oncologist or 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) for current advice about influenza vaccination for these people BEFORE administering the vaccine.
