What is Influenza?
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness that occurs after an infection with an influenza virus. It is often called ‘the flu’. Common symptoms include:
- fever
- dry cough
- nasal congestion
- headache
- sore throat
- general symptoms such as feeling unwell, muscle aches, and pains and fatigue.
How is Influenza spread?
Influenza virus is mainly spread through large droplets from sneezing and coughing; these may be airborne and can be transmitted via inhalation and touching surfaces.
Influenza vaccinations
Vaccination, administered annually by a health professional is the safest means of protection from influenza.
How much does the Influenza vaccination cost?
The influenza vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
- children aged 6 months to 5 years
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- pregnant women
- people with certain underlying medical conditions
States and territories may also provide free influenza vaccination to additional population groups. Check with your state or territory health authority.
- In QLD, the influenza vaccination is FREE until the end of September 2025! More information here
For those people who are not eligible for a free vaccination, the vaccination cost varies between providers. It is typically around $20.00.
Aspen Medical Influenza Vaccination Program
No out-of-pocket expense options:
- Vaccinations will be provided in the Deakin (Canberra) Office in April 2025. Information will be emailed to relevant team members.
- Vaccinations will NOT be provided in the Bowen Hills (Brisbane) office, due to the vaccination being available free to all QLD residents. Find a local provider using the Health Direct Find Influenza Vaccine by Location website.
Temporary out of pocket expense option:
- Aspen Medical team members who are not eligible for a free influenza vaccination and are unable to receive vaccination at the Deakin office can claim reimbursement for vaccinations. Find a local provider using the Health Direct Find Influenza Vaccine by Location website.
You can seek reimbursement by creating an expense claim in Oracle and uploading your receipt.
- Date = the date on the receipt
- Type = please select “Office supplies, Printing and Consumables”
- Expense Location = The state where you were issued the receipt
- Description = Please enter “Influenza vaccination”
- Merchant Name = the name of the company on the receipt, e.g. Priceline
- Project number 232601 (HSE)
- Task number = P100 (this will auto populate)
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the HSE Manager.
