- Walk in, no appointmentMonday to Friday during store hours, subject to pharmacist availability
- From 2 years of ageThe minimum age for a pharmacist-given flu vaccine in NSW
- Free if you are eligibleUnder the National Immunisation Program, otherwise a fee applies
Who should have a flu shot
The Australian Government recommends a yearly influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and over. Flu is a very contagious infection of the airways and is most serious for babies, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.
The vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- people aged 65 years or over
- pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- people with medical conditions that raise the risk of serious illness, such as heart disease, chronic lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system
If none of these apply to you, the flu shot is still available here for a fee. Call us for the current price before you come in.
When to get vaccinated
New season vaccines usually arrive from April. The health department advises having your vaccine from April onwards so you are covered for the peak flu season, which generally runs from June to September. Protection is strongest in the first 3 to 4 months after the injection, and because flu circulates all year, it is never too late to have it.
The strains change from season to season, which is why last year's shot will not cover you this year. You can have your flu vaccine on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine.
What happens when you walk in
- Ask at the counter for a flu vaccination. If a pharmacist immuniser is free, you will be seen in our private consultation area.
- The pharmacist checks your health, allergies and any previous reactions, then confirms which vaccine suits your age.
- The vaccine is given as a needle, usually in the upper arm.
- You wait with us for at least 15 minutes afterwards, in line with the Australian Immunisation Handbook, and should not drive during that time.
- Your vaccination is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, the national record of vaccines given in Australia.
What to bring: valid ID, your Medicare card if you have one, and your vaccination history.
After your flu vaccine
Most reactions are mild and pass within a couple of days. The common ones are tiredness, muscle aches, a mild fever, and pain, redness or swelling where the needle went in. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if anything worries you.
An egg allergy, even with a history of anaphylaxis, does not rule you out: the egg-based vaccines on the program contain only minute traces of egg protein. Let us know about any allergy before your injection.
Flu vaccine questions
Can my child have a flu vaccine at the pharmacy?
In NSW, pharmacist immunisers can give the flu vaccine to children aged 2 years and over. Children under 2, and children under 9 with a medical risk condition, need 2 doses a month apart in their first year of flu vaccination, so check with us or your GP first.
Is there anyone who should not have the flu vaccine?
Anyone who has had anaphylaxis after a previous flu vaccine, or after any ingredient in it, should not receive it. If you are unwell with a fever on the day, come back once you are feeling better.
Looking for another vaccine? See all our vaccination services in Abermain.
Drop in for your flu shot
Walk in to Abermain Chemist at 193 Cessnock Road any weekday during store hours. Call first if you would like to check a pharmacist immuniser is available.