Flu and other vaccines to consider

We offer additional vaccinations and booster doses for you and your child.

Optional, recommended vaccines can be purchased at our clinics and can be given with scheduled vaccines. Do not bring any vaccines you have purchased elsewhere as we cannot administer these.

Influenza

Annual Influenza vaccination is recommended for any person from age 6 months who wants to reduce the risk of becoming ill.

In Australia, these vaccines contain 3 influenza virus stains:

  • 2 Influenza A subtypes
  • 1 Influenza B lineages

They are revised each year to combat the flu strains most common in the northern hemisphere (which pose the greatest threat to our community).

For children under age 2 receiving their first vaccination, it is recommended that they get 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. Otherwise, it is just 1 annual dose.

Influenza vaccine is free for:

  • all children from age 6 months and under 5 years
  • people age 5 years and over, with some medical factors
  • pregnant women
  • Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people of all ages.

If you do not fit the above criteria, we can offer the flu vaccine for $25 per dose.

Book a flu vaccination

Meningococcal

There are 2 different Meningococcal vaccines available to protect against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a rare but serious disease.

Meningococcal B

The Bexsero vaccine is used to combat this strain at $155 per dose or free for Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander children up to age 2 years.

  • It can be administered from age 6 weeks.
  • 3 doses are required if administered to children under age 1 year.
  • 2 doses are required if administered to children older than age 1 year.

Meningococcal ACWY

The Nimenrix vaccine is used to combat these strains at $92 per dose or free at age 12 months or for year 10 students.

  • It can be administered from age 6 weeks.
  • 3 doses are required if administered under age 6 months.
  • 2 doses are required if administered age 6 months or older.
  • Please note the 12month dose is funded

Book a Meningococcal vaccination

If your child is under age 2 years and will receive the Meningococcal B vaccine, it is recommended to give them paracetamol 30 minutes prior to vaccine. Continue this for 2 more doses, each being 6 hours apart following the vaccine.

If your child has not had paracetamol prior, we are still able to give the vaccine. However, recommend paracetamol as soon as possible afterwards.

Chickenpox

A funded dose of chickenpox vaccine is given at age 18 months.

You can choose to have an extra dose for added  and/or earlier protection from age 12 months for $70 per dose.

Book a Chickenpox vaccination

This dose can be given with 12-month NIP vaccines, else there must be a 4-week gap from the Measels, Mumps and Rubella vaccine.

Whooping Cough

We provide a Whooping Cough vaccination for $60 per dose or free for women between 20-32 weeks pregnancy and year 7 students.

Vaccination is recommended for grandparents and carers of young babies. Boosters are recommended every 10 years.

Book a Whooping Cough vaccination

At a glance

We are able to provide some funded vaccines at our service. To learn more, contact the Immunisation Team to discuss.

Age or situation What may be available
Eligible people age 20 to 25 years Free HPV vaccination for anyone who missed a school vaccination.
From 20 weeks pregnancy Free Whooping Cough vaccine from 20 weeks pregnancy, free RSV for people between 28-36 weeks pregnancy and free Influenza vaccine any time during pregnancy.
Adults born during or after 1966 Free Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (no evidence is required for previous doses or immunity).
Refugees and vulnerable people Free routine and catch-up vaccines under the National Immunisation Program.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander age 51 years and over Free Pneumococcal (prevented with Prevenar 13) and Shingles (prevented with Shingrix) vaccines (all adults of all ages can also have funded Influenza immunisation).
All adults age 65 years and over Free Shingles (prevented with Shingrix) and Influenza vaccines available via GP or pharmacist.
All adults age 70 years and over Free Pneumococcal (prevented with Prevenar 13) vaccine available via GP or pharmacist.

About vaccines

Vaccination is recommended in the National Immunisation Schedule and associated programs offered by the Australian and Victorian Governments. This schedule and available programs are regularly updated and change as vaccines are improved.

Contact

For more information contact our Immunisation Team on 9457 9964 or at immunisation@banyule.vic.gov.au

Seasonal sessions

We run flu sessions from April to August each year. Anyone from age 6 months to age 4 years (age 5 and over with medical risk), pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people receive free vaccines. Stock is available for age 5 and over for $25.

Older woman receives a bandage after receiving a flu vaccine

Side effects

Vaccines can have side effects. Most reactions, such as low-grade fever and pain at the injection site are mild, short lasting and do not require special treatment.

There is a small risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine. Anyone that has been vaccinated will stay in the treatment area for at least 15 minutes after immunisation in case additional support is needed.

Immunisation history statement

After your visit we will upload the vaccine details to the Australian Immunisation Registry within 48 hours. To access an up-to-date immunisation history statement:

  • Go to myGov and sign in to your Medicare online account.
  • Call the Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809

Related Information

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