Flu shot frequently asked questions

At The Clinic, we have an onsite Flu Clinic offering our patients access to a flu vaccination in Werribee and surrounding areas. Please contact us to book your flu vaccine (please note that if you are new to The Clinic you will need to book an appointment with one of our doctors before receiving your flu shot at our practice).

We've compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive about the flu shot. If your question isn't answered below, then please contact us on 03 9741 1200.

Should I get the flu shot?

Stay well this winter with the flu vaccine.

It is recommended that all who can get a flu shot, should. The flu shot not only acts as a preventative measure for you but can also help stop the spread of the virus. The more people who are immunised, the better it is for the community. Especially for the young, elderly and sick and those who are at a higher risk of flu complications.

While most healthy people outside of the risk categories can manage their symptoms at home, the flu is an unpleasant and highly contagious illness that can causes severe symptoms and complications.

Many patients ask "should I get a flu shot?". And many others don't see the point in getting immunised against the flu at all, but we warn against such thinking to help protect our patients and the wider community from the flu and its potential serious complications.

You can take this quiz should I get the flu shot?

Will the flu shot make me sick?

There is a common misconception that the flu shot will make you get the flu, it will not. According to The Better Health Channel, "the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu because it does not contain live virus".

Occasionally, some may experience some short-term side effects that may last for a day.

By getting the flu shot you are significantly reducing your chance of contracting the flu. The flu lasts for up to seven days.

They include:

• Headache

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Muscle aches

You may also experience pain at the site of injection that may last a few days.

Severe reactions are extremely rare. If you are experiencing a severe reaction, please seek immediate medical attention or call 000.

If you have any concerns about the flu shot, please call us 03 9741 1200.

Does the flu shot actually work?

The flu shot reduces your risk of contracting influenza and developing complications. To book your flu shot, please call us on 03 9741 1200 or book an appointment online.

While the flu shot is the best preventative measure you can take against the flu, it does not 100% guarantee your protection from the virus.

It is still recommended as it does significantly reduce your risk of getting the flu.

If you have had the vaccination and happen to contract the flu, you are likely to be less sick than if you hadn't. The flu shot also decreases your risk of developing flu complications.

Flu complications can result in hospitalisation and, in serious circumstances, death.

When should I get the flu shot?

We recommend getting your flu shot as soon as possible from mid-April.

Getting vaccinated as close to mid-April as possible will provide you with the best level of protection before peak flu season. In Australia, peak flu season is usually between June and September.

Learn more about the Australian flu season.

Do I need to get a flu shot every year? How long will the flu shot last?

Yes, you should get a flu shot every year. The flu shot is only active for three to four months from the date of immunisation, and take up to three weeks to take effect. As it's only active for three to four months, it is best to get the flu shot from mid-April so it will last through the flu season.

Can I get the flu shot and the Covid-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes, you can receive both vaccinations during the one appointment. The Victorian Government recommends receiving both vaccines annually to help you stay well throughout winter and to minimise the spread of these illnesses.

I'm still unsure if the flu shot is right for me

If you're unsure whether or not the flu shot is right for you, then we encourage you to book an appointments with one of our doctors to discuss your concerns. Book an appointment online or contact us.

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If you have any further questions, please call us on 03 9741 1200. If you would like to book an appointment to receive the flu shot, please call us or book an appointment online.

Take this test do I have influenza? to check your current symptoms for the flu.

Other helpful articles on the flu:

Staying healthy this winter

How to avoid getting the flu