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MCCSA — Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia

8. Flu Vaccination

The Flu Shot: Your Shield Against a Formidable Foe

The flu is a cunning adversary that changes its form every year. It is far more than just a bad cold; it’s a severe illness that can hit you hard with a combination of fever, severe body aches, fatigue, and cough. The flu can lead to serious complications, especially for older people and those with pre-existing heart, lung disease, cancer or suppressed immune systems. These complications can include:

    • Pneumonia: A lung infection that can be life-threatening.
    • Worsening Chronic Conditions: Such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, which can lead to further health issues.
    • Hospitalisation for the problems listed above
    • Death: In severe cases, the flu can be fatal.

Why is a flu shot important?

    • Strong Defence: The flu shot trains your body to recognise and fight off the flu virus, reducing your chances of getting sick. The flu shot is your personal defence against the flu virus.
    • Less Severe: If you do catch the flu, the vaccine can make your illness milder, so you’re not out of action for too long.
    • Protect Others: By getting vaccinated, you’re also protecting those around you, like your family and friends, especially those who are more vulnerable to severe flu complications.

What are the risks of a flu shot?

    • Some might experience soreness at the injection site, like a tiny pinch.
    • A few people might feel a bit under the weather for a short time, but it’s usually mild and temporary.

Serious side effects are extremely rare, like finding a needle in a haystack_._ Put it this way: aircraft occasionally crash, but that would not prevent you from taking a flight to a large family celebration in another city because the benefit clearly outweighs the risk

Fast Facts

  • The people most likely to end up in hospital from flu are children under 5 and adults aged 65 and over.
  • Most flu deaths occur in people 65 and over
  • In 2025 just under two-thirds of adults aged 65 and over, were vaccinated.
  • In healthy adults under 65 and young children, the flu vaccine usually reduces the chance of getting flu by about 50% to 65%
  • Older adults need an enhanced vaccine which is funded free In Australia, an for adults aged 65 and over
  • Even when it does not stop the flu completely, vaccination helps lower the risk of pneumonia, hospitalisation, and severe illness.

Getting a flu vaccine is your choice. When making that choice consider the multiple benefits for you and those around you and the very small risk

Who can get it, and where to get your shot:

Anyone over the age of 6 months can have the flu vaccine. There are a few places you can get your flu vaccine – some free of charge, and others incur a payment, depending on your age and medical conditions.

  • Your GP (Local Doctor)
    • Most GPs offer flu vaccinations.
    • Free for eligible people, including:
      • Men aged 65 years and over
      • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men aged 6 months and over
      • Men with chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, asthma)
      • Men with compromised immune systems
    • Ask your GP if you’re eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
  • Pharmacies (e.g. Chemist Warehouse, TerryWhite, Priceline)
    • Many pharmacies across South Australia offer walk-in or booked flu vaccinations.
    • Some may offer free flu shots for eligible people under government programs (check in store).
    • For others, the cost is usually around $20–30
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs)
    • Free flu vaccinations are available to Aboriginal men at local health centres such as:
      • Nunkuwarrin Yunti (Adelaide) – www.nunku.org.au
      • Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Primary Health Care Service
      • Pangula Mannamurna (Mount Gambier)
  • SA Health Community Clinics (seasonal)

SA Health sometimes runs pop-up clinics offering free flu vaccinations to high- risk groups.

The Bottom Line: Getting your flu shot is like putting on your shield for the flu season. It’s a big leap in staying healthy. Not only does it protect you, but it helps protect your family, your friends and the people in your workplace.