Most people feel fine after a flu vaccine, but it helps to know which flu shot side effects are normal and which need attention. This article walks through what happens on the day at Your Community Pharmacy in Newport, the common reactions in the day or two afterwards, why the vaccine cannot give you the flu, and simple ways to prepare. Walk-in vaccinations need no appointment during opening hours, so you can fit the visit around your week.
Key Takeaways
- Fewer than 1 in 10 people have side effects from the vaccine, and they usually last 1 to 2 days.
- Common reactions are a sore, red or swollen arm, fever, tiredness and muscle aches.
- The vaccine cannot cause influenza, because the injected vaccines are inactivated.
- You may be asked to wait about 15 minutes after the injection in case of a rare allergic reaction.
- Flu shots at Your Community Pharmacy are walk-in, with no appointment needed.
Why a yearly flu shot is worth a sore arm
Flu viruses change over time, and different strains spread each year, so the flu vaccine is updated every year to match. Some people have only a mild illness from the flu, but others become seriously ill, and even healthy people can get sick. Being vaccinated also helps protect the people around you.
In most parts of Australia, flu infections are highest between June and September, and protection is highest for the 3 to 4 months after your vaccine. That is why many people aim for April or May, though it is never too late to be vaccinated, especially if you are planning travel within Australia or overseas. Our flu season guide has more on timing.
Your visit, step by step
Here is what happens when you come in:
- A short chat: a pharmacist immuniser checks the vaccine suits you, including any allergies, previous reactions to vaccines or recent illness.
- The injection: given into the upper arm in the private consultation area.
- A short wait: because there is a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction, you may be asked to wait about 15 minutes afterwards.
- Aftercare: the pharmacist explains what to expect over the next day or two and when to seek medical help.
Walk in during opening hours for a flu vaccination, with no appointment needed.
Common side effects of the flu shot
According to healthdirect, fewer than 1 in 10 people have flu shot side effects. Those that feel like the early signs of the flu, such as fever, tiredness and muscle aches, can start within a few hours and usually last 1 to 2 days. Pain, redness or swelling where the needle went in can also happen.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing suggests drinking extra fluids, resting, taking paracetamol as directed on the label and wearing light clothing if you feel hot.
Can the flu shot give you the flu?
No. You cannot catch the flu from the flu vaccine. The injected flu vaccines used in Australia are inactivated influenza vaccines, made from virus particles that cannot replicate or cause infection. Aches or a mild fever afterwards come from the immune response, not from the virus.
You can still catch the flu after vaccination, because no flu vaccine gives complete protection. How well it works depends partly on your age and health, but it lowers your chance of flu and of serious complications such as pneumonia.
Rare reactions and when to get help
A severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is very rare: healthdirect estimates fewer than one person in every million doses. It usually starts within 15 minutes, which is the reason for the short wait, but it can happen within hours. Early signs include red or itchy skin, swelling or hives, trouble breathing, an ongoing cough or hoarse voice, and feeling unwell or distressed. Call triple zero (000) straight away if you notice them.
Get medical help promptly if a reaction seems severe or unusual, or if you are worried about any symptom after your vaccine. If you have an egg allergy, even with a past anaphylaxis, you can still safely have the flu vaccine; tell the pharmacist before your vaccination.
Preparing for your flu shot
A little preparation makes the visit smoother:
- Wear a top that gives easy access to your upper arm
- Be ready to mention any allergies, previous reactions to vaccines and current health conditions
- Ask any questions you have about the vaccine before it is given
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for a flu shot?
No. Pharmacist immunisers give the flu vaccine without a prescription, so you can simply walk in. Read more in our prescription guide.
Is the flu shot free?
Under the National Immunisation Program, it is free for eligible groups such as people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and children aged 6 months to under 5; others pay a fee. At the pharmacy, NSW pharmacists vaccinate from age 2; younger children are vaccinated by a GP or immunisation clinic. Ask the pharmacist about cost and eligibility.
Can I have the flu shot if I am pregnant?
Yes. The flu vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy and can be given safely at any stage. It helps protect you and lowers the risk of flu in babies under 6 months, who are too young to be vaccinated. Talk to the pharmacist or your doctor if you have questions.
What are the pharmacy’s opening hours?
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm, closed Sunday. Directions are on our contact page, and answers to other common questions are on our FAQs page.
Getting your flu shot with confidence
For most people, side effects from a flu shot are mild and gone within a day or two, and a yearly vaccine is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people around you through winter. For more ways to stay well this season, see our winter wellness guide and our post on flu shots and RATs.
Walk into Your Community Pharmacy in Newport for your flu shot, no appointment needed.