Question 1

Who is eligible for the free MMR catch-up program?

Accepted Answer

Victorian adult MMR funding applies to eligible people born during or since 1966 without evidence of two valid documented doses or immunity. Medicare is not required for this state program. The pharmacist checks suitability, including pregnancy and immune status. Eligible services here have no patient charge.

Question 2

How old do you have to be? Do you vaccinate children?

Accepted Answer

The pharmacy vaccinates from age five only within the current vaccine, program and practitioner authorisation. Some services have different age rules. Younger children and complex needs may require a GP, council or specialist provider. Confirm before attending.

Question 3

Do I need an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Call before attending to confirm immuniser availability, stock and the service you need. An online request is subject to the booking provider’s confirmation. Organisation clinics require prior agreement.

Question 4

Do I need a Medicare card or referral?

Accepted Answer

NIP generally requires Medicare eligibility as well as program criteria. Eligible Victorian adult MMR does not require Medicare. Referral or a different authorised provider may be needed for some services.

Question 5

How much do vaccinations cost?

Accepted Answer

Eligible NIPVIP and Victorian state-funded adult MMR services here have no patient charge. Private vaccination has a $20 service fee per dose, with any medicine cost additional and confirmed privately before care.

Question 6

Is there a service fee on top of the vaccine cost?

Accepted Answer

The private service fee is $20 for each dose, including multiple private doses at one visit. Eligible NIPVIP and state-funded adult MMR services have no patient charge. Off-site services and record review require an individual fee discussion.

Question 7

What should I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring identification, your Medicare or IHI details if available, vaccination records and information about medicines, allergies and health conditions. For a child, confirm age eligibility, valid consent and support-person requirements before attending.

Question 8

Why do I have to wait 15 minutes after my vaccination?

Accepted Answer

Stay for at least 15 minutes after vaccination, longer if advised. Tell the clinician immediately if you feel unwell. Serious allergic reactions can occur after leaving, so follow the aftercare and emergency instructions too.

Question 9

Are there any contraindications? When should I not be vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

A previous severe allergic reaction to a dose or component needs assessment. Other contraindications and precautions depend on the vaccine, pregnancy, immune status, age and health. Do not use this FAQ to decide that vaccination is safe for you.

Question 10

What if I have an adverse reaction after I leave?

Accepted Answer

Call 000 for breathing difficulty, tongue or throat swelling or collapse. Seek urgent assessment for severe or worsening symptoms, including chest pain, unusual drowsiness, persistent vomiting or a severe headache with neck stiffness. Do not assume these are expected vaccine reactions. Mild reaction timing varies. Reporting to SAEFVIC does not replace medical care.

Question 11

Can I get vaccinated if I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Influenza is recommended at any stage of each pregnancy, whooping cough preferably at 20 to 32 weeks, and RSV from 28 weeks. Assessment after 36 weeks can still be appropriate for RSV. Live vaccines such as MMR are generally contraindicated in pregnancy. Ask your clinician about your own circumstances and funding.

Question 12

Can I get vaccinated if I am unwell, or have an allergy?

Accepted Answer

A mild illness does not always require delay, but significant acute illness, fever or a history of severe allergy needs assessment. Tell the clinician before attending and follow advice about infection precautions and timing.

Question 13

How do I access my immunisation record?

Accepted Answer

Obtain an AIR immunisation history statement through the current Services Australia pathway, such as Medicare linked to myGov or the myGov app. Alternatives are available if you do not use those services. Earlier doses may be missing.

Question 14

Does AIR show vaccines I had overseas or as a child before AIR existed?

Accepted Answer

AIR may not contain every earlier or overseas dose. Bring documentary evidence to a recognised vaccination provider for assessment. Overseas documents may need an English translation. Confirm any review fee before work begins.

Question 15

How do workplace vaccination programs work?

Accepted Answer

Workplace clinics are arranged after checking scope, venue, headcount, staffing, consent, cold-chain requirements and fees. Agree lawful aggregate reporting; employers do not automatically receive individual health records. No fixed minimum headcount is stated here.

Question 16

How can you support aged-care vaccination planning?

Accepted Answer

We can discuss resident vaccination planning, consent, clinical assessment and documentation. The facility retains its regulatory responsibilities. A service or checklist does not certify compliance with aged-care standards.

Question 17

How does the school program work?

Accepted Answer

Victoria’s school program offers eligible students HPV and whooping cough vaccination in Year 7 and meningococcal ACWY in Year 10. Ask the school or council about missed doses. Any pharmacy or off-site service needs separate scope, age, consent and funding confirmation.

Question 18

How long does an appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Appointment length varies with assessment, questions and the service needed. Allow at least 15 minutes of observation after vaccination, longer if advised, in addition to consultation time.

Question 19

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Check cancellation and rescheduling terms with the booking provider before confirming. Contact the pharmacy promptly if you cannot attend. Organisation services follow the agreed terms.

Question 20

What languages do you support? Is interpreter help available?

Accepted Answer

Tell us your preferred language and support needs before booking. Staff language availability and interpreter arrangements need confirmation. TIS National eligibility and costs vary. Automatic translations may contain errors.

Question 21

What vaccination services are available?

Accepted Answer

Ask about funded and private vaccination, adult MMR, travel consultations and off-site services by arrangement. Availability, age, clinical suitability and provider authorisation are checked individually. Some services require referral.

Question 22

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Use the booking page or call (03) 9364 7133. Call before a walk-in visit. For workplace, aged-care or school enquiries, contact the pharmacy to discuss feasibility and arrangements.

Question 23

How do I pay for the vaccination service?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the accepted payment methods, amount and payment timing before care. Organisation invoicing follows the service agreement. Eligible NIPVIP and state-funded adult MMR services here have no patient charge.

Question 24

Do I need to pay before attending my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Check any payment requirements with the booking provider and pharmacy. Fees and funding should be explained before you proceed. No universal prepayment or free-booking promise is made here.

Question 25

What if I have a voucher code?

Accepted Answer

Ask the pharmacy whether it accepts that voucher, which service it covers and whether any extra amount applies. Do not assume an employer or third-party voucher covers every service.

Question 26

How do I change or cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Use the instructions in your booking confirmation or call (03) 9364 7133. Check the applicable terms and whether another appointment is available.

Question 27

What happens if I don’t have a valid Medicare card?

Accepted Answer

Ask about Medicare eligibility and the particular funding program. Eligible Victorian adult MMR can be funded without Medicare; NIP generally requires Medicare eligibility. The clinician checks identifier, records, suitability and private options.

Question 28

What happens during the appointment?

Accepted Answer

The clinician checks identity, health history, prior doses, suitability and consent. They explain expected benefits, risks, costs and aftercare. If vaccination proceeds, remain for at least 15 minutes, longer if advised.

Question 29

What do I do if I miss my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Contact the pharmacy or booking provider to discuss rescheduling and applicable terms. Availability and any organisation-specific arrangements need confirmation.

Question 30

Do I receive a record of the vaccination service?

Accepted Answer

Ask how to obtain your vaccination record and receipt. Required AIR reporting follows the applicable rules; an instant or 24-hour statement is not guaranteed. Individual information is shared only with an appropriate lawful basis.

Question 31

How do I download a Tax Invoice?

Accepted Answer

Ask the pharmacy for an invoice or a replacement through an appropriate identity-checked process. Do not send unnecessary sensitive health information in ordinary email. Organisation invoicing follows the agreement.

Question 32

How do I access my Certificate of Vaccination?

Accepted Answer

Services Australia provides AIR immunisation history statements. Ask the organisation requesting evidence what it accepts. AIR is not a universal international travel certificate; some certificates need a specifically authorised provider.

Question 33

Will my immunisation be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory AIR reporting applies to specified vaccinations, including NIP, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The provider follows current reporting rules. Ask about reporting for your dose and how to check the statement after it is updated.

Question 34

Who has access to my personal information obtained during the vaccination process?

Accepted Answer

The privacy policy explains collection, use, disclosures, access and complaints. Information may be used for care and disclosed with consent or where required or permitted by law. SafeScript covers specified monitored medicines, not every Schedule 4 or Schedule 8 medicine.

Question 35

What is the flu (influenza)?

Accepted Answer

Influenza is a contagious respiratory viral infection. It can cause severe illness, including pneumonia and hospitalisation, particularly in people with higher clinical risk.

Question 36

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, aches, headache and fatigue. Symptoms vary and overlap with other infections. Seek medical advice for severe, worsening or concerning illness rather than diagnosing from this list.

Question 37

How is the flu different from a cold?

Accepted Answer

Flu often causes more marked aches, fever and fatigue than a cold, but symptoms overlap and cannot reliably identify the infection. A clinician may recommend testing when it affects care.

Question 38

How is the flu spread?

Accepted Answer

Influenza spreads through respiratory particles and contact with infected secretions. People may spread infection before they realise they are ill. Hand hygiene, ventilation and staying away from others when unwell help reduce spread.

Question 39

How can I prevent getting and spreading the flu?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination can reduce influenza risk. Also use ventilation, hand hygiene and cough etiquette, and avoid exposing others when unwell. Masks may help in relevant settings. These measures do not eliminate all risk.

Question 40

Why should I have a flu vaccination?

Accepted Answer

Annual vaccination can reduce the risk of influenza and severe outcomes. The amount of protection varies by age, health, season and time since vaccination. A clinician assesses the appropriate option.

Question 41

Who should not have a flu vaccination?

Accepted Answer

Contraindications depend on the formulation. Previous anaphylaxis to a dose or component needs review; live nasal vaccine has additional restrictions including pregnancy and immune conditions. Egg allergy alone does not automatically prevent influenza vaccination. Seek an individual assessment.

Question 42

How long does it take for the flu vaccination to work?

Accepted Answer

An immune response generally develops over about two weeks. Protection is not guaranteed, varies between people and wanes over time.

Question 43

When is the best time to have a flu vaccination?

Accepted Answer

Seek advice before the expected influenza season where possible. Pregnancy, travel, health and previous doses may affect timing. Vaccination can still be considered later in the season; do not delay solely because a calendar window has passed.

Question 44

What are the different types of flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Australian 2026 influenza vaccines are trivalent. Injectable and live nasal formulations have different age, health and funding rules. The clinician explains the appropriate option; not every formulation is offered by every provider.

Question 45

Which flu vaccine will be used for me?

Accepted Answer

The clinician checks age, health, pregnancy, immune status, previous reactions and funded eligibility. Older adults have preferentially recommended options. Formulation and availability are confirmed during the clinical assessment.

Question 46

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Effectiveness changes between seasons and groups, and differs for infection and severe outcomes. Vaccination can reduce risk but does not guarantee that you will avoid influenza or hospitalisation.

Question 47

Why does the flu vaccine change every year?

Accepted Answer

Influenza viruses change and protection wanes. Vaccine composition is reviewed for each season. Annual vaccination is recommended even if you were vaccinated previously.

Question 48

What vaccine should I receive if I am aged 65 years and older?

Accepted Answer

There are preferentially recommended influenza options for adults from 65. The clinician checks the appropriate option, availability and Medicare eligibility. Do not assume that every enhanced formulation is funded.

Question 49

Are there side effects of the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Soreness, fatigue or fever can occur, with timing depending on the formulation. Rare serious reactions can occur. Remain for at least 15 minutes, longer if advised, and follow the emergency instructions in the aftercare answer above.

Question 50

Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

An appropriate influenza vaccine is recommended at any stage of each pregnancy. The live nasal formulation is not used in pregnancy. NIP Medicare and program requirements apply; the clinician checks suitability.

Question 51

Who is eligible for a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program?

Accepted Answer

NIP groups include children six months to under five, people from 65, pregnant people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months, and people with specified medical risks. Medicare eligibility applies. The pharmacy’s vaccination age and scope limits are separate.

Question 52

When should I get my flu shot this year?

Accepted Answer

Check current availability and discuss timing with a clinician. Influenza vaccination is recommended annually; pregnancy, travel and clinical risk can affect the best time for you.

Question 53

Is a nasal spray flu vaccine available?

Accepted Answer

A live nasal influenza vaccine is available in Australia for eligible ages, but clinical restrictions, funding and pharmacy availability vary. Ask a clinician rather than assuming a needle-free option is suitable.

Question 54

Where can I get further information about flu?

Accepted Answer

Read the Australian Immunisation Handbook influenza chapter, ATAGI’s 2026 seasonal influenza statement and current government influenza guidance. Our seasonal flu page links to these sources. A clinician can explain how they apply to you.

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