2020 Flu Shot – New Strains and where to get yours
Private Flu shots are only $14.95 and your vaccination appointment will be bulk billed if it’s during standard business hours for Medicare Card holders.
CLICK HERE for an updated list of SmartClinics Medical Centres that have flu vaccines in stock today.
***Please note: We have extra safety measures in place to help keep you protected at the clinic. Ask us for more information about this when you speak with us to book your vaccination.***
Flu shots can ONLY be booked by calling your clinic directly.
We know that everyone is itching to find out more about the flu vaccine, so we’ve put together a quick rundown of some fun facts and some questions that you may have about how the flu vaccine is developed and how it may affect your health.
How is the flu vaccine created?
Every year, the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) meets to discuss the flu vaccine for the coming season. In 2019, they met at the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Canberra in early October. There, they made determinations on which influenza viruses the 2020 vaccine should be built upon.
The AIVC took into account advice provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with regard to the specific strains of influenza that should be used in the composition of vaccines for the 2020 southern hemisphere flu season. Once the AIVC made their recommendation, it was accepted by the TGA. Thus, we now have an established and consistent type of flu vaccine for 2020.
Which flu strains are included?
The following viruses will be used to formulate the 2020 flu vaccine in Australia:
Egg based Quadrivalent influenza vaccines:
- an A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/South Australia/34/2019 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Washington/02/2019-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus; and
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus.
Egg based Trivalent influenza vaccines:
- an A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/South Australia/34/2019 (H3N2)-like virus; and
- a B/Washington/02/2019-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus.
What is the difference between a Quadrivalent and Trivalent influenza vaccine?
To put it simply, a quadrivalent flu vaccine contains four components, or viruses, that you will be inoculated against. A trivalent flu vaccine contains three. Both vaccines will contain two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus, usually the same across both. The quadrivalent vaccine will also include an additional B strain.
Should you get both types of vaccine?
It is not recommended for people to receive more than one flu vaccination per flu season. There are exceptions for some children who require additional vaccination.
Why is the flu vaccine different around the world?
Different strains of the flu virus are likely to be present in different parts of the world, and populations may have differing herd immunity established. Some nations are more likely to experience influenza A strains, while others may be more exposed to influenza B strains. In some countries, quadrivalent vaccines are very highly recommended due to the presence of two widespread types of influenza B viruses.
Is an egg-based flu vaccine bad for people with an egg allergy?
Most medical professionals acknowledge that there is no significant harm in administering an egg-based flu vaccine to a person with an egg allergy. Even for those with egg anaphylaxis, it is still recommended to receive the flu shot.
Who should get the flu shot?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone. However, those who should receive it as a matter of highest priority include pregnant women, very young children, the elderly and those who suffer from chronic health concerns.
Is the flu shot free for children?
The flu shot is free for many children. Through a combination of state and national funding, the following classes of people receive the flu vaccine for free:
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- Pregnant women.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 6 months and over.
- Those aged 6 months and older with medical conditions that may expose them to complications if they contract influenza.
Schedule your flu vaccine
Get on the wait list for the 2020 flu vaccine:
