Easy-to-read medicine information about the flu vaccine – what it is, when it is given and possible side effects.
Key points
Vaccination is your best protection against the flu. Even if you still get the flu after vaccination, your symptoms are less likely to be severe.
Get vaccinated to stop the spread of the flu around your community. Even if you don't feel sick, you could still be infected with the flu virus and pass it on to others.
The flu vaccine is recommended and FREE for people who are most likely to get very sick, be hospitalised or even die if they catch the flu.
Having the flu vaccine every year can keep older people healthy and active for longer.
Getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy helps protect the mother and her baby against the flu.
Influenza vaccine for 2020
From Monday 27 April the flu vaccine is available for the general public who are aged 3 years or older.
People eligible for FREE flu vaccine for 2020 are:
pregnant women (any trimester)
people aged 65 and over
people under 65 years of age with certain chronic conditions, such as chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma and COPD
children aged 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness, including children aged 6–59 months (under 5 years) who were hospitalised with measles.
Note: Influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. However, it will help prevent the flu, a serious illness that causes hundreds of deaths each winter in New Zealand.
What is the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine (also called the 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.
Being vaccinated causes your body to produce antibodies against the flu virus. This means your body can respond faster and more effectively to the flu. By first coming across a non-infectious version of the virus in the vaccine, it learns to recognise it. When it comes across it again, your body can react much faster and in a more effective way.
Even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, you usually get a mild form of it and recover faster, and are less likely to have serious complications.
Get vaccinated every year
You need to get the flu vaccine every year because protection from the previous vaccination becomes less effective over time. Also, each year the flu vaccine is developed to match the different strains of flu virus you are likely to encounter.
It is possible to come into 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 is 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 have it by 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:
pregnant women (any trimester)
people aged 65 years and over
people under 65 years of age with with certain chronic conditions, such as chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma and COPD
children aged 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness, including children aged 6–59 months (under 5 years) who were hospitalised with measles.
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) if you are in close contact with people with weakened immune systems, as these people may be less able to fight off the flu or who are at high risk of complications from it. Front-line healthcare workers usually have the vaccine funded by their employer.
Who should not get the flu vaccine?
If you have had a severe allergic reaction following the flu vaccine in the past, let your doctor know before having another flu vaccination. Also, if you have a fever your doctor may recommend postponing the vaccination until you are well.
The flu vaccine may not be suitable or may need to be delayed for people receiving any of the following 4 cancer treatments:
atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ®)
ipilimumab (YERVOY®)
nivolumab (OPDIVO®)
pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®).
These are the only 4 cancer treatments in New Zealand that require influenza vaccination to be delayed. Your healthcare professional needs to contact your oncologist or phone 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) for current advice about the influenza vaccination for these people BEFORE administering the vaccine.
Dose
The vaccine is given by injection into a 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.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of your face, lips, mouth or problems breathing
Allergic reactions to influenza vaccine are very rare.
If you develop these signs within a few days of the vaccination, tell your doctor immediately or call HealthLine free on 0800 611 116.
Where can I get vaccinated?
People eligible for a free flu vaccine Eligible people can get a free vaccination from their family doctor/general practice, and it is usually the practice nurse who gives the vaccine.
Many community pharmacies provide free influenza vaccinations to people aged 13 years and older and pregnant women (any trimester).
People who are not eligible to receive a free flu vaccine Influenza vaccination is available from:
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 yourself and others from getting the flu.
You are likely to have fewer sick days and fewer days away from work or school.
Even if you still catch the 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.
Even if you don't feel sick, without the vaccine you could still be infected with the flu and pass it on to others.
By getting the vaccine, you will help protect vulnerable people in your community, such as very young children, elderly people and people with long-term health conditions.
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 reduces the amount of flu circulating in the community, puts less pressure on healthcare services and leads to fewer 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 of the Immunisation Centre explains more about the effectiveness of the flu vaccine.
(Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ, 2016)
Why do I need a flu shot every year?
You need to get the flu vaccine every year because protection from lest year's vaccine becomes less effective over time. Each year the flu vaccine is made to match the different strains of flu virus likely to be in New Zealand. 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.
The new vaccine is usually made available in early April. Get your vaccination before winter when the flu is most prevalent.
What flu vaccines are available this year (2020)?
For adults and children aged 3 years or older: Afluria Quad For children aged under 3 years (aged 6–35 months): Afluria Quad Junior
If I’m fit and healthy, do I need to have the flu vaccine?
Although people with 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. So it is recommended that even healthy people have the flu vaccine.
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, breastfeeding women can safely have the flu vaccine. Protecting the mother can help prevent her becoming infected and passing the flu on to her baby. Breastfeeding may also offer some protection to the baby. However, babies will have more protection if their mother is vaccinated during pregnancy.
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.
Check with your doctor to find out if you qualify for a free flu vaccine. Read more about eligibility.
Where can I get vaccinated against the flu?
People eligible for a free flu vaccine Eligible people can get a free vaccination from their family doctor/general practice. It is usually the practice nurse who gives the vaccine.
Many community pharmacies provide free influenza vaccinations to people aged 13 years and older and pregnant women (any trimester).
People who are not eligible to receive a free flu vaccine Influenza vaccination is available from:
Please contact your health provider regarding the cost of getting the flu vaccine.
Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?
The vaccine cannot cause the flu because it does not contain any live viruses. The vaccine stimulates an immune response which can include symptoms such as fever, headache and tiredness. This creates immunity but doesn't cause 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 are signs your immune system is working with the vaccine. Contact 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 among 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, the flu can occur throughout the year, so vaccination is worthwhile regardless of the season.
In temperate climates in the northern hemisphere, the flu 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 brands of the flu vaccine for the 2020 flu season Afluria Quad and Afluria Quad Junior can be given to people with egg allergy. Studies have shown that influenza vaccines containing one microgram or less of ovalbumin do not trigger anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. The residual ovalbumin in one dose of Afluria Quad and Afluria Quad Junioris below this limit.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I am taking anticoagulant therapy?
Yes, the flu vaccine can be given to people taking anticoagulants, including aspirin, dabigatran (Pradaxa®), enoxaparin (Clexane®), heparin, ticagrelor (Brilinta®), rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) 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?
The brands of the flu vaccine for the 2020 flu season Afluria Quad and Afluria Quad Junior do not contain natural rubber latex. They can be given to people with a latex allergy.
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 (cancer specialist) 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.
Where can I get vaccinated?
The best place to go for vaccinations is your family medical clinic. They have your medical records and can check to see if you’ve already had a particular vaccination. Either your doctor or a nurse can give the vaccination.
If you don’t have a family doctor, you can go to one of the after-hour medical clinics. Ring them first to make sure they can help you with the vaccination you need.
You can find a clinic near you on theHealthpointwebsite. Put in your address and region, and under Select a service, click on GPs/Accident & Urgent Medical Care.
Vaccines on theNational Immunisation Scheduleare free. Other vaccines are funded only for people at particular risk of disease. You can choose to pay for vaccines that you are not eligible to receive for free.
