Flu Vaccines Geelong

Why Flu season matters more than you might think

Influenza is one of those illnesses that most of us have experienced at some point. And while it’s easy to dismiss it as “just a bad cold,” the reality is quite different.

What is influenza, exactly?

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses. It’s not the same as a common cold. The flu tends to come on suddenly and can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, a dry cough, and a sore throat. Most people feel genuinely unwell for up to two weeks, and the fatigue can linger even longer.

In Australia, flu season typically runs from around May through September, though it can start earlier and the timing shifts year to year. Cases tend to peak in the winter months, which is why getting vaccinated before the season begins is the best approach.

Who is most at risk?

While influenza can affect anyone, some groups are at higher risk of serious complications. These include adults over 65, people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, pregnant women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. That said, even healthy, working-age adults can become seriously unwell with influenza. Complications like pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections can occur in people who were otherwise fit and well.

This is one of the reasons we recommend that all adults consider vaccination each year, not just those in high-risk categories.

The types of flu vaccines available at Tx Bar

At Tx Bar we carry the Trivalent vaccine which is an egg based Vaccine. Tx Bar is currently offering privately funded vaccines for those aged over 18 years for $29.

Why get vaccinated every year?

Even if you were vaccinated against the flu last year, you will still require a vaccine again this year this is because viruses change constantly. Each year, the strains circulating are a little different, and the vaccines are updated accordingly to provide the best possible match. Immunity from vaccination also wanes over time, so an annual vaccination is the most effective way to maintain protection. It’s a small commitment that can make a significant difference, not just for you but for those around you.

Can I get the Flu from the Flu vaccine?

This is probably the most common thing we hear, and we completely understand why the concern exists. The short answer is: no, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Influenza vaccines used in Australia do not contain live virus, which means there is simply no mechanism by which they could cause an influenza infection.

What some people experience after vaccination is a mild immune response which could be things like

-a sore arm

-low-grade fatigue

-occasionally a slight temperature

This is your immune system doing exactly what it should, recognising the vaccine and building a response. These symptoms are typically mild and resolve within a day or two. They are not the flu, and they are not a sign that something has gone wrong. In fact, they’re a sign that your body is responding.

It’s also worth noting that flu season and cold and respiratory virus season overlap significantly. If you happen to catch a cold around the time you receive your vaccine, it’s coincidence, not causation. The vaccine takes around two weeks to reach peak effectiveness, so it’s possible to contract influenza in that window if you were already exposed before or shortly after vaccination but again, the vaccine itself is not the cause.

Can I have vaccines at the same time as my cosmetic procedure?

If you’re a Tx Bar client receiving cosmetic treatment by our Nurses we ask that you allow a minimum of two weeks between your cosmetic treatment and your influenza vaccination, in either direction. This means we won’t administer a flu vaccine within two weeks of you having had a cosmetic procedure and we’d recommend the same buffer before any scheduled cosmetic appointments.

The reason for this is straightforward. Any injection will illicit an immune response and carries a small risk of localised swelling, redness, or bruising, and we want to ensure that any response to your vaccination can be clearly identified and managed without confusion with your cosmetic treatment. This is a precautionary measure in line with best clinical practice, and it helps us ensure the safest and best possible outcome for both treatments.

If you’re unsure about timing, just give us a call before booking and we’ll work it out with you.

Flu Vaccines now available at Tx Bar Geelong

We’re pleased to offer influenza vaccinations at our Newtown clinic for adults aged 18 and over. Our team is experienced in vaccine administration and will walk you through the process, including what to expect and any relevant information specific to your health needs.

Some vaccines may be available at no cost under the National Immunisation Program for eligible individuals. We encourage you to check your eligibility prior to your appointment or ask us when you call.

If you have questions about influenza vaccination, suitability, or what to bring to your appointment, our team is happy to help. You can also visit the Australian Immunisation Handbook or the Department of Health website for comprehensive, up-to-date information on influenza and vaccination in Australia.