Influenza vaccine

There are new flu vaccines on offer for 2024. Should I get one? What do I need to know?

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
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Although most cases are relatively mild, flu can cause more severe illness in young children and older people.

Key Points: 
  • Although most cases are relatively mild, flu can cause more severe illness in young children and older people.
  • Influenza virtually disappeared from Australia during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic when public health restrictions reduced contact between people.
  • Since 2022, it has returned to a seasonal pattern, although the flu season has started and peaked a few months earlier than before 2020.

What goes into a flu vaccine?

  • Influenza strains are constantly changing due to genetic mutation, with the pace of genetic change much higher than for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID).
  • Read more:
    Flu vaccine won't definitely stop you from getting the flu, but it's more important than you think

    All current influenza vaccines in Australia contain four different strains (known as quadrivalent vaccines).

What’s different about new flu vaccines?

  • These include egg-based vaccines (Vaxigrip Tetra, Fluarix Tetra, Afluria Quad, FluQuadri and Influvac Tetra), cell-based vaccines (Flucelvax Quad), adjuvanted vaccines (Fluad Quad) and high-dose vaccines (Fluzone High-Dose Quad).
  • Until recently, the process of manufacturing flu vaccines has remained similar.
  • In some flu vaccines, adjuvants (components that stimulate the immune system) are included with the influenza antigens.
  • For example, an adjuvant is used in the Fluad Quad vaccine, recommended for over 65s.
  • Studies suggest adjuvanted influenza vaccines are slightly better than standard egg-based vaccines without adjuvant in older people.
  • Read more:
    Should I get the flu shot if I'm pregnant?

What should I do this year?

  • Influenza vaccines are also recommended in pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby for the first months of life.
  • Influenza vaccines are widely available, including at GP clinics and pharmacies, while many workplaces have occupational programs.


In older people, a number of vaccines are now recommended: COVID and influenza, as well as one-off courses of pneumococcal and shingles vaccines. In general, most vaccines can be given in the same visit, but talk to your doctor about which ones you need.

Are there side effects?

  • These are expected and reflect the immune system reacting appropriately to the vaccine, and are mostly mild and short-term.
  • People with egg allergies should discuss this with their doctor, but in general, studies suggest they can safely receive any (including egg-based) influenza vaccines.
  • Serious side effects from the influenza vaccine, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological complication, are very rare (one case per million people vaccinated).


Allen Cheng receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care. He is a member of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.

Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Fluad Tetra, influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated, adjuvanted), Date of authorisation: 20/05/2020, Revision: 8, Status: Authorised

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Fluad Tetra, influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated, adjuvanted), Date of authorisation: 20/05/2020, Revision: 8, Status: Authorised

Key Points: 


Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Fluad Tetra, influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated, adjuvanted), Date of authorisation: 20/05/2020, Revision: 8, Status: Authorised

Rite Aid Helps Customers Prioritize Immunity During Busy Holiday Season with Flu Shot Fridays

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
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Rite Aid’s upcoming Flu Shot Fridays allows families to conveniently receive routine vaccinations ahead of the holiday season.

Key Points: 
  • Rite Aid’s upcoming Flu Shot Fridays allows families to conveniently receive routine vaccinations ahead of the holiday season.
  • Customers receiving their flu shot will also receive coupons for $5 off a $25 in-store purchase* and a free cold drink.
  • ** Flu Shot Fridays will be held every Friday from Dec. 1-29, at select locations.
  • Customers are encouraged to schedule an appointment for necessary vaccinations at their local Rite Aid through the online scheduling tool , or walk-in during regular store hours on Flu Shot Fridays.

 GoodRx Announces Significant Savings on Antivirals, Medications and Vaccines for Cold & Flu Season

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 21, 2023
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GoodRx (NASDAQ: GDRX), a leading resource for healthcare savings and information, today announced it is offering new savings on antivirals, medications and vaccines for the upcoming cold and flu season .

Key Points: 
  • GoodRx (NASDAQ: GDRX), a leading resource for healthcare savings and information, today announced it is offering new savings on antivirals, medications and vaccines for the upcoming cold and flu season .
  • With these significant savings, Americans can find affordable ways to prevent or treat seasonal illnesses, regardless of insurance status.
  • For live updates on the progression and treatment rates of the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, check out GoodRx’s “Tripledemic” Tracker .
  • The best way for consumers to protect themselves against the flu is to get the annual flu shot between September and the end of October, notes the CDC .

Global Vaccine Market Anticipated to Reach $92.32 Billion by 2028: Players Include GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Sanofi Pasteur, Pfizer and CSL - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 8, 2023
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Influenza vaccines reduce the risk of illness by 40% to 60% worldwide, including in the United States.

Key Points: 
  • Influenza vaccines reduce the risk of illness by 40% to 60% worldwide, including in the United States.
  • Emerging markets are witnessing a surge in demand for influenza vaccines due to high disease prevalence and limited access to vaccination.
  • Combo Vaccines: Combination vaccines that provide protection against multiple diseases with a single shot are gaining popularity.
  • Government initiatives, growing awareness of the benefits of vaccination, and advancements in vaccine technology have fueled their growth.

Sanofi and rapper/actor Ice-T unveil trailer for The Season as a warning against the flu

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
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The trailer taps into suspenseful movie tropes to educate older adults, particularly those with chronic health conditions, about the risks associated with the flu.

Key Points: 
  • The trailer taps into suspenseful movie tropes to educate older adults, particularly those with chronic health conditions, about the risks associated with the flu.
  • The Season serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of higher-dose flu vaccines to help protect more vulnerable populations from the flu and its related complications.
  • "The flu can be a serious public health threat and lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, and pneumonia.
  • You can also see more content from The Season here and share your support by using #PrepareForTheSeason on your social channels.

CSL Seqirus Begins Shipping Portfolio of Innovative Influenza Vaccines for the 2023/24 U.S. Season

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 17, 2023
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CSL Seqirus is the only influenza vaccine manufacturer that offers differentiated vaccine options for individuals six months of age and older.

Key Points: 
  • CSL Seqirus is the only influenza vaccine manufacturer that offers differentiated vaccine options for individuals six months of age and older.
  • CSL Seqirus is the only manufacturer to offer differentiated influenza vaccine options approved for use in individuals six months of age and older.
  • This year's 2023/24 U.S. influenza season portfolio includes:
    There were two real world evidence (RWE) studies conducted by the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute during the 2022/23 Northern Hemisphere season, in which a large majority (84%) of vaccinated participants received FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT.
  • For additional information on influenza vaccine options for the upcoming flu season, visit flu360.com.

I'm over 65 and worried about the flu. Which vaccine should I have?

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 1, 2023
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It can cause the sudden onset of a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain.

Key Points: 
  • It can cause the sudden onset of a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain.
  • In Australia, the flu is responsible for more than 5,000 hospitalisation and 100 deaths a year.
  • To combat the decline in immunity as we age, specific vaccines are available for people aged 65 and over.

Remind me, how does the immune system work?

    • The immune system uses multiple mechanisms to fight viral infections, which can be divided into two major arms of the immune system, called innate and adaptive immunity.
    • Innate immunity involves multiple inflammatory cells and chemicals that are triggered immediately, or within hours of encountering an infection.

Why are older people more at risk from the flu?

    • This immune system decline is called immunosenescence, which leads to increased susceptibility, hospitalisation and death from influenza.
    • Certain medical conditions, such as cancer and heart and lung conditions, increase susceptibility to severe influenza, with older people being more likely to have additional medical conditions than younger people.

What flu vaccines are available?

    • Annual flu vaccines are recommended to protect against the common circulating strains of influenza, which can differ from year to year.
    • The standard flu vaccines offered to adults aged under 65 consist of surface proteins of the virus or inactivated (killed) virus from four influenza strains: two A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and two B strains.
    • Read more:
      Why can you still get influenza if you've had a flu shot?

How do they compare?

    • In the few studies comparing Fluad and Fluzone directly, there is little evidence of a difference between them in reducing influenza and serious flu outcomes.
    • Fluzone is only available with a private prescription if you’re 60 years and over, at a cost of around A$65-70.
    • If neither augmented vaccine is available, a standard influenza vaccine is also acceptable for older people, since any influenza vaccine is preferable to receiving none.

How else can we protect against the flu?

    • Wearing a mask or N95 respirator significantly reduces the risk of infecting others when infected.
    • The evidence for protecting oneself against infection is less conclusive, mainly because it’s linked to early, consistent and, importantly, the correct use of masks.
    • Read more:
      Over half of eligible aged care residents are yet to receive their COVID booster.

AstriVax, an innovative vaccine platform company, establishes scientific advisory board with world renowned leaders in vaccine development

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 24, 2023
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Leuven, Belgium, 24 March 2023 – AstriVax has announced that Dr Emmanuel Hanon will chair the company’s scientific advisory board.

Key Points: 
  • Leuven, Belgium, 24 March 2023 – AstriVax has announced that Dr Emmanuel Hanon will chair the company’s scientific advisory board.
  • Renowned infectious disease experts Dr Peter Piot and Dr Patrick Soentjens have been appointed as the first scientific advisors to the AstriVax scientific advisory board that is being composed.
  • With the support of its scientific advisory board, AstriVax will continue to build its innovative plug-and-play vaccine platform to address important unmet needs in global health.
  • Their combined experience covers the full spectrum of infectious diseases, prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine development and global health management.

Pregnancy Outcomes with COVID-19 Vaccines Reviewed in Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS)

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
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Their summary is published in the spring issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.

Key Points: 
  • Their summary is published in the spring issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.
  • Influenza vaccines were chosen as the control group because the CDC first approved influenza vaccines for pregnant women in 1997.
  • The study period provides 282 months of data for the influenza vaccine and 18 months of data for the COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons is published by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) , a national organization representing physicians in all specialties since 1943.