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Influenza vaccines are produced from inactivated (killed) viruses. They don’t contain the infective virus and can therefore not cause flu. They can be administered safely to people with weakened immune systems.
Within one to two weeks after receiving the vaccine, your body produces antibodies that will fight the virus if you’re exposed to it. Infection will be either prevented or the severity of your symptoms will be reduced.
Though the antibodies will prevent infection with the three vaccine-included influenza strains (and several more closely related strains), there's no guarantee that you won't become sick during winter.
The flu shot is usually given in one dose as an injection into the muscle (usually the upper arm). If children under 9 years of age haven't been vaccinated before, they should receive a second vaccination one month later. Children under the age of 3 should receive half the adult dose on two occasions, one month apart.
Some interesting facts about the flu vaccine:
• There's no live virus in the flu shot.
• The composition of the vaccine changes every year.
• The flu shot is safe for pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy.
• BioCSL Fluvax isn't recommended for children under 5 years of age.
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone from 6 months old who wants to be protected against influenza. In Australia, free flu vaccines are available to the following people:
• Anyone 65 years and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 15 years old
• Pregnant women
• Children aged 6 months to 10 years who are on long-term aspirin therapy
• Children from six months and over with one or more of the following medical conditions:
- Heart disease
- Severe asthma
- A chronic lung condition
- Chronic illness requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the past year
- Diseases of the nervous system
- Impaired immunity
- Diabetes
Within one to two weeks after receiving the vaccine, your body produces antibodies that will fight the virus if you’re exposed to it. Infection will be either prevented or the severity of your symptoms will be reduced.
Though the antibodies will prevent infection with the three vaccine-included influenza strains (and several more closely related strains), there's no guarantee that you won't become sick during winter.
The flu shot is usually given in one dose as an injection into the muscle (usually the upper arm). If children under 9 years of age haven't been vaccinated before, they should receive a second vaccination one month later. Children under the age of 3 should receive half the adult dose on two occasions, one month apart.
Some interesting facts about the flu vaccine:
• There's no live virus in the flu shot.
• The composition of the vaccine changes every year.
• The flu shot is safe for pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy.
• BioCSL Fluvax isn't recommended for children under 5 years of age.
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone from 6 months old who wants to be protected against influenza. In Australia, free flu vaccines are available to the following people:
• Anyone 65 years and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 15 years old
• Pregnant women
• Children aged 6 months to 10 years who are on long-term aspirin therapy
• Children from six months and over with one or more of the following medical conditions:
- Heart disease
- Severe asthma
- A chronic lung condition
- Chronic illness requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the past year
- Diseases of the nervous system
- Impaired immunity
- Diabetes
