Annual flu (influenza) vaccination

Key facts

  • Influenza, or ‘flu’, is different from the common cold. This viral infection is usually more severe and lasts longer, and it can make your adolescent very unwell. 

  • All adolescents are recommended to have an annual flu vaccine to protect them against the flu.  

  • The flu vaccine is available through your doctor, a clinic nurse or a community health worker. In all Australian states and territories, a pharmacist is also able to provide it. Only some adolescents qualify for a free flu vaccine, so usually you will pay a fee for your adolescent’s vaccine and clinic visit.

  • Adolescents with certain health or medical risk conditions or who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander are eligible for a free flu vaccination to protect them against influenza.

Last updated on 13 August 2025.

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What vaccines are recommended for my adolescent?

Your adolescent is recommended to get an influenza (flu) vaccine every year.

Because flu vaccines are not provided for free to all adolescents, you may have to pay a fee for your adolescent’s vaccine as well as the clinic visit.

Some adolescents with certain health or medical risk conditions (including asthma and heart conditions) or who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander may qualify for a free flu vaccine. Speak with your doctor, nurse or community health worker to see if your adolescent qualifies.

All adolescents can receive a flu vaccine from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Flu vaccines are given as a needle, usually in the arm.

Your adolescent can get their annual flu vaccination either on its own or at the same time as their age-specific vaccinations.

The best time to get a flu vaccine is April or May, before the flu season, which is usually June–September.1 Your adolescent can be vaccinated later in the season, too.

What diseases does the flu vaccine protect my adolescent against?

Influenza is an illness caused by influenza viruses. Although some of the symptoms are similar, flu is different from the common cold. It is usually more severe and lasts longer.

Even if your adolescent is usually healthy, flu can make them very sick. Illness usually begins with a sudden onset of symptoms that can include: 

  • high temperature (fever)
  • shivering/shaking (chills)
  • headache
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • extreme tiredness and lack of energy (fatigue). 

If it progresses, flu can also cause your body to lose water (dehydration) and lead to other complications such as lung infections (pneumonia) or swollen airways (bronchitis). More serious complications can also occur, including:

  • secondary bacterial infections
  • heart, blood and nervous system (neurological) abnormalities such as swelling (inflammation) of the brain (encephalitis). 
What do I need to do before the vaccination?

Your adolescent can be vaccinated in a few different locations, including a GP clinic or a community health clinic. In all states and territories, pharmacists can also vaccinate adolescents. If your adolescent gets vaccinated at a clinic or pharmacy, you may be charged a fee for the visit.

Usually, there is no need to do anything special to get your adolescent ready for flu vaccination. Speak with your doctor, nurse or community healthcare worker to ask if your adolescent needs to do anything before vaccination.

What do I need to do after the vaccination?

After their flu vaccination, your adolescent may be tired and want to rest more than usual. This should only last for a day or two.

Serious side effects are very rare, but they can happen, and some parents want to know more about them before they vaccinate their adolescent.

If your adolescent doesn’t seem to be getting better after a vaccination or you are worried about them, you can get help:

  • from your doctor
  • at your nearest emergency department
  • by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
When does my adolescent need their next vaccination?

It is recommended that adolescents get a flu vaccine every year.

Your adolescent will also need their age-specific vaccinations. It is important that adolescents get vaccinated on time to make sure they are protected against infectious diseases.

If your adolescent’s age-specific vaccinations are due just before the flu season (usually, from June to September), they can get these vaccines and a flu vaccine at the same time.

What if I still have questions?

You can read more about flu here.

If you still have questions about vaccinations for your adolescent, write them down and make an appointment with your doctor, nurse or community health worker so you can ask them.

Please note: In SKAI Adolescent, the phrase ‘your adolescent’ refers to all guardian relationships where health decisions for an adolescent fall under your responsibility.

Drafts of this page were reviewed by members of our Consumer Advisory Group.


  1. Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. Australian Immunisation Handbook, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; Canberra: 2025. Available from www.immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au