Flu Vaccine
Flu Vaccination at BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic
If you’re looking for a flu vaccine in Cheltenham, BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic provides seasonal influenza vaccinations for eligible children, adults and older patients.
Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious infection of the airways. It can cause fever, cough, body aches, fatigue and serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
Our GPs can help you understand whether you are due for this year’s vaccine, whether you may be eligible for a free flu vaccine, and what to expect before and after your appointment.
What the Flu Vaccine Is
The flu vaccine is a seasonal vaccination designed to protect against the influenza strains most likely to circulate each year. Because flu viruses change over time, the vaccine is updated regularly and yearly vaccination is recommended for ongoing protection.
Flu vaccination helps reduce the risk of:
- catching influenza
- becoming seriously unwell from the flu
- hospitalisation and flu-related complications
- spreading influenza to vulnerable family members and the wider community
For most people, the vaccine is given as an injection, usually in the upper arm.
Who Is Eligible
Flu vaccination is recommended for:
All people aged 6 months and over.
Flu Vaccinations
Standard Flu Vaccine - Bulk Billed
Standard flu vaccines are bulk billed at no out-of-pocket cost for patients with a valid Medicare card. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all eligible patients to help reduce the risk of serious illness during flu season.
FluMist Nasal Spray - $50
Our clinic also offers FluMist, a needle-free alternative to the standard injectable flu vaccine. FluMist is available at our clinic for $50 per dose. This vaccine is not bulk billed.
What is FluMist?
FluMist is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) administered as a nasal spray rather than an injection. One dose consists of two sprays – approximately half the dose into each nostril.
How does it work?
Unlike traditional inactivated influenza vaccines, FluMist contains weakened strains of influenza viruses. When administered, it helps train the immune system to recognise these viruses and build protection without causing illness. The vaccine is absorbed rapidly through the nasal passage.
Who is FluMist approved for?
FluMist is registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the prevention of influenza in children and adolescents aged 2 years to under 18 years of age. Astrazeneca It is not approved for use in adults.
What are the possible side effects?
Expected side effects include a runny or blocked nose, headache, and tiredness. Respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose occur more commonly with FluMist than with injectable flu vaccines, as it is administered nasally. These symptoms are generally mild, short-lived, and self-resolving. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
Who should not receive FluMist?
FluMist is not suitable for everyone. Your GP will assess whether it is appropriate for your child. It is not recommended for children who are immunocompromised, have severe egg allergy (anaphylaxis), or have certain respiratory conditions. Please speak with your GP before booking.
Speak with your GP
The most appropriate flu vaccine will depend on your child’s individual health history and circumstances. We encourage all patients to speak with their GP to determine which option is right for them.
Medicare Cardholder Information
Please bring your Medicare card to your appointment, along with any concession cards and photo ID if relevant. BayMed’s patient information also recommends bringing your current medication list and any relevant test results, imaging or referral letters where applicable.
BayMed operates as a private billing practice. Medicare rebates can be processed electronically at the time of payment for eligible consultations.
Important to note:
- If you qualify under the National Immunisation Program, the flu vaccine itself may be funded
- A consultation or service fee may still apply, depending on your appointment and eligibility
That distinction matters, so the page should avoid implying that every eligible patient automatically pays nothing out of pocket.
What to Expect
A flu vaccination appointment at BayMed is usually straightforward and may include:
1. Review of your health history
Your GP or nurse may confirm your age, vaccination history, current symptoms, pregnancy status, allergies, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect eligibility or vaccine choice.
2. Discussion about the vaccine
We explain whether you are due for this year’s flu vaccine, whether you may be eligible for a free flu vaccine, and answer any questions you may have.
3. Vaccination
For most patients, the vaccine is given as a quick injection in the upper arm.
4. Aftercare advice
We’ll let you know what mild side effects can happen after the vaccine, such as:
- soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- tiredness
- muscle aches
- mild fever
These reactions are usually mild and settle within a couple of days.
For some children receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, 2 doses may be needed 4 weeks apart, depending on age and risk factors.
FAQs
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone aged 6 months and over, and is especially important for people at higher risk of serious illness.
Can I get a free flu vaccine?
You may be eligible for a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program if you are under 5, pregnant, 65 or over, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or have certain medical conditions.
Is the flu vaccine really free if I have a Medicare card?
Not necessarily. Having a Medicare card does not automatically mean the whole visit is free. The vaccine may be government-funded for eligible patients, but BayMed is a private billing clinic and a consultation or service fee may still apply. Medicare rebates can be processed for eligible consultations.
When should I get my flu vaccine?
Official guidance says vaccination is recommended from April onwards to help protect you during the usual peak flu season from June to September, though it can still be worthwhile later in the season.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I’ve recently had COVID-19?
Yes. Guidance states there is no set waiting time after COVID-19 infection. Once you are feeling well and no longer have a fever, you can have the flu vaccine.
Can I get the flu vaccine on the same day as other vaccines?
In general, yes. Official guidance says influenza vaccines can be given on the same day as most other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.
What side effects are common?
Common side effects include a sore arm, mild fever, tiredness and muscle aches. These are usually short-lived.
Can people with egg allergy have the flu vaccine?
Government guidance says people with egg allergy, including a history of anaphylaxis, can usually still receive an influenza vaccine, but they should discuss this with their health professional first.
Book Your Flu Vaccine in Cheltenham
If you’re due for this year’s flu vaccine in Cheltenham, BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic can help.
Book online or call our reception team to arrange your appointment. When booking, let us know if:
- you believe you may be eligible for a free flu vaccine
- you are pregnant
- you are booking for a child
- you have a chronic medical condition
- you have questions about fees, Medicare rebates or eligibility
