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.
For more information about influenza vaccinations, click on the links below:
- 2024-influenza-flu-vaccination-consumer-fact-sheet
- AusVax article: “Influenza is back in Australia in 2023: Why a flu shot is so important, who is eligible and what to expect in the days following your vaccination”
- NCIS article: Influenza vaccines – frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where can I get my Influenza vaccination?
Find a local provider using the Health Direct Find Influenza Vaccine by Location website.
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 2024! More information here
- In WA, the influenza vaccination is FREE in May and June 2024! 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
Aspen Medical team members who are not eligible for a free influenza vaccination can claim reimbursement for vaccinations administered up to 31-May-2024. Flu season had started so we encourage team members who choose to be vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
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.
