What Is the Flu and Why Should You Get Vaccinated?
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Unlike a common cold, the flu can strike suddenly and cause serious illness, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with existing health conditions.
Each year, thousands of Australians are hospitalised due to flu-related complications, including pneumonia and severe respiratory distress. The good news? Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your community.
At North Blackburn Square Clinic, we strongly recommend annual flu vaccination in Blackburn for everyone aged 6 months and over. The flu virus changes each year, which is why a new vaccine is developed annually to match the current strains in circulation.
Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it helps protect those around you who may be more vulnerable, including newborns, immuno-compromised people, and those who cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
Annual flu vaccination in Blakburn is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over — unless medically contraindicated.
High-Risk Groups Who Are Strongly Encouraged to Vaccinate
Some people are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza. We particularly encourage vaccination for:
- Children under 5 years: Young children are especially vulnerable to severe flu.
- Pregnant women: Vaccination is safe and recommended at any stage of pregnancy, and helps protect newborns
- Adults aged 65 and over: The immune response to flu weakens with age, a specially formulated vaccine is available for this group
- People with chronic medical conditions: Like those with heart disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, and other conditions that increase the risk of complications
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Aged 6 months and over
If you are unsure whether you or a family member fall into a high-risk category, speak with one of our GPs—we are here to help.
Free Flu Vaccine: Are You Eligible?
Under the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), a free flu vaccine is available for the following groups:
| Eligible Group | Details |
|---|---|
| Adults aged 65 and over | A specially formulated adjuvanted vaccine (Fluad Quad) is provided, designed to produce a stronger immune response in older adults |
| Pregnant women | Recommended at any stage of pregnancy, in every pregnancy |
| Children aged 6 months to under 5 years | All children in this age group are eligible for a free vaccine |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples | Aged 6 months and over |
| People with chronic medical conditions | Aged 5 years and over with conditions including: cardiac disease, chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., severe asthma, COPD), chronic neurological conditions, immunocompromising conditions, diabetes and metabolic disorders, renal (kidney) disease, haematological disorders |
Note: Not sure if your condition qualifies? Our doctors can assess your eligibility at your appointment. If you are not in one of the above eligible groups, a private flu vaccine is available — see our fees below.
TYPES OF FLU VACCINES WE OFFER
Which Flu Vaccine Will I Receive?
We offer the following flu vaccines in line with the Australian Government’s 2026 NIP recommendations:
-
For Adults Aged 65 and Over (NIP-Funded)
- Fluad Quad — an adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccine specifically designed for older adults. The adjuvant helps stimulate a stronger immune response, providing better protection for those aged 65+.
-
For Eligible Patients Aged 5 to 64 Years (NIP-Funded)
- Flucelvax Quad — a cell-based quadrivalent vaccine available for at-risk individuals aged 5 to 64 years with eligible medical conditions.
- Vaxigrip Tetra — an egg-based quadrivalent vaccine for eligible individuals aged 6 months to 64 years.
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For All Other Patients (Private — $25)
- Standard quadrivalent influenza vaccines are available for non-eligible patients at a private fee of $25.
All flu vaccines we offer protect against four strains of influenza (two A strains and two B strains), as recommended by the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) for the current season.
Fees For Flu Vaccine – Northern Blackburn Clinic
Flu Vaccine Fees
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Free (NIP-Funded)
If you fall into one of the NIP-eligible groups listed above, your flu vaccine is free of charge — no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine itself.
-
Private Flu Vaccine — $25
If you are not eligible for a free vaccine under the NIP, a private flu vaccination is available at our clinic for just $25.
-
For All Other Patients (Private — $25)
- Standard quadrivalent influenza vaccines are available for non-eligible patients at a private fee of $25.
Note: This fee covers the vaccine administration. A consultation fee may apply if you see a GP on the same day for other matters.
For the most up-to-date fee information, please visit our Fees page (/our-fees/) or call us on (03) 9878 3100.
WHEN TO GET VACCINATED
When Is the Best Time to Get Your Flu Shot?
We recommend getting vaccinated between March and May each year — before the peak flu season begins.
Why Timing Matters
- Flu season in Australia typically runs from June to September
- It takes approximately 2 weeks after vaccination for your body to build full immunity
- Vaccines are generally available from March each year, so getting in early gives you the best protection before flu season peaks
Don’t wait until flu season is in full swing — book early to ensure you are protected in time.
Note: Flu vaccines are available from March through to the end of the flu season. Contact our clinic to book your vaccine.
HOW TO BOOK FOR YOUR FLU VACCINATIONS
How to Book Your Flu Vaccination
Booking your flu shot in Blackburn is quick and easy. Here’s how it works:
Step 1 — Book Online via HotDoc
We use HotDoc for online bookings. Simply select an available flu vaccine appointment slot. No referral needed.
Note: Flu vaccines are available from March through to the end of the flu season. Contact our clinic to book your vaccine.
Step 2 — Register with the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
As part of our flu vaccination service, we can register your vaccination on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) — the national record of vaccinations. Your GP will review your eligibility and medical history, and the vaccine will be administered by our nurse or doctor.
Step 3 — Get Vaccinated
On the day of your appointment, your doctor will review your details and a qualified nurse or doctor will administer your flu vaccination. The appointment is quick, and you will be asked to wait briefly afterwards as a precaution.
Prefer to Call?
- Phone: 03 9878 3100
- Available: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm
- Email: reception@nbsclinic.com.au
- Address: 117 Springfield Rd, Blackburn North VIC 3130
Frequently Asked Questions About Flu Vaccination
You can book directly through HotDoc under the “Flu Vaccine – Practice Nurse” appointment type. Our GP will review your details, and the vaccination will be administered by our nurse or doctor. No separate GP appointment is needed just for the flu shot.
Yes. We can register your flu vaccination on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) as part of your appointment.
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible for a free flu vaccine under the NIP. Children aged 5 and over who are not in an at-risk medical group are not eligible for a free vaccine and will be charged a private fee of $25.
Yes, flu vaccination is strongly recommended during pregnancy at any stage. It is safe and helps protect both the mother and the newborn baby.
It takes approximately 2 weeks for your body to build full immunity after vaccination. This is why we recommend getting vaccinated between March and May, before the flu season begins.
Yes. Influenza vaccines can be co-administered with COVID-19 vaccines. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Egg allergy is not a contraindication to influenza vaccines. If you or your child has a significant egg allergy, please let our team know when booking, and we can take appropriate precautions.
