Pharmacy 777 Pharmacists are committed to protecting our community from the spread of the Influenza virus. We are supporting the WA and QLD Health Departments to provide free flu vaccinations across all our WA and QLD locations this flu season*.
*WA Government are providing free flu vaccinations in May and June 2024. The Queensland Government are providing free flu vaccinations from March through to September 2024.
All WA and QLD’s Pharmacy 777’s will be participating in the WA and QLD State Funded flu campaigns, commencing 1st of May and 1st of March respectively. More information can be viewed from the WA media statement and QLD media statement.
Find out more about the 2024 Flu Vaccination Service:
Aged 5-64?
Vaccinations are administered in a private consultation room by your 777 Pharmacist.
Our Flu Vaccination service costs $29.95 for those aged 5 - 64 years obtaining the egg-based quadrivalent Influenza vaccine*.
*Please be advised, if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, are pregnant, or have a certain medical condition which increases your risk factors you may be eligible for a flu vaccine funded under the NIP. Please visit the Department of Health website or speak to your GP or pharmacist for more information about NIP eligibility.
HBF provides one fully covered^ egg-based Flu Vaccination per year for eligible members at Pharmacy 777.
^You must be covered for Healthy Living Programs on your Extras cover to be eligible to claim a benefit. Benefit payable once per year. Waiting periods and limits apply. Service must be delivered by an approved, participating Pharmacy 777 in Western Australia. Other criteria, terms and conditions apply.
Aged 65 and over?
The Australian Department of Health funds the cost of vaccines for people who are at high risk of Influenza and its complications under the NIP (National Immunisation Program). These vaccines are distributed under the supervision of the relevant authority in each state, who determine availability and recommended timing for the vaccine.
As of 1st January 2024, people aged 65 years and over are eligible to receive their Government-funded NIP Influenza vaccine at any Pharmacy 777 at no charge.
*Please be advised, if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, are pregnant, or have a certain medical condition which increases your risk factors you may be eligible for a flu vaccine funded under the NIP. Please visit the Department of Health website or speak to your GP or pharmacist for more information about NIP eligibility.
Find out more:
About this service.
We’re committed to protecting you and your family from the spread of the Influenza virus. Pharmacy 777 Pharmacists can vaccinate children from 5 years* up and adults at more than 70 convenient locations, making it even easier to protect our community.
What to expect:
-
Pending availability, book your flu vaccination online
-
Type in your suburb or postcode and select your closest pharmacy
-
Choose a convenient date and time
-
Fill out a quick pre-vaccination questionnaire
-
Attend your appointment
-
Follow the instructions of your Pharmacist during this time - find out more
-
Receive your vaccination
-
After your appointment wait for a 15-minute observation period
Information on timing for your vaccination:
-
If a person had a 2023 influenza vaccine in late 2023 or early 2024, they are still recommended to receive a 2024 formulation of influenza vaccine.
-
Protection from the vaccine is expected to last for the whole season, but optimal protection is within the first 3–4 months after vaccination. Revaccination later in the same year is not routinely recommended.
-
As it can take up to 2 weeks after vaccination to develop immunity and protect you from influenza, an annual flu shot is recommended from April onwards before the flu season starts. Influenza cases usually peak between June and September in most parts of Australia however can occur all year-round.
-
The optimal time to get vaccinated is usually Autumn as this provides protection in time for the peak influenza season (usually winter). However, it is never too late to get vaccinated as influenza can circulate in the community all year round.
-
Continued seasonal influenza activity is anticipated as borders remain open and interstate and international travel increases. People who are planning international travel should ensure they have had a 2024 influenza vaccination before departure.
-
The Department of Health have advised a COVID-19 vaccination can be given on the same day as an Influenza vaccination.
-
As Influenza can circulate all year round - pregnant women, persons with certain chronic medical conditions or lowered immune function, and travellers can benefit from vaccination at any time of the year. These groups may sometimes be advised by their GP to receive a second vaccine if they were vaccinated very early in the season, to maintain the optimal protection for the rest of the year.
What is Influenza?
Influenza (usually called ‘the flu’ for short) is a common and highly contagious virus. The flu affects your respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs), and symptoms you’ll experience can include:
-
fever
-
cough
-
sore throat
-
fatigue
-
muscle aches
-
headaches, and
-
nose, throat and lung congestion.
It’s important to note that the flu is not the same as the common cold, even though they may share some symptoms. The flu is a serious illness that can lead to complications and sometimes hospitalisation.
2024 Strains and Vaccines
The recommended composition of Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine for Australia in 2023 introduces two new strains for the A (H3N2)-like and B Victoria lineage viruses.
In 2024, Egg & Cell based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccines are available in Australia.
The Egg-based Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine components for the Australian 2024 Influenza season will contain the following:
-
An A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
-
An A/Thailand/8/2022 (H3N2)-like virus;
-
A B/Austria/1359417/2021-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus
-
A B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus
The Cell-based Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine components for the Australian 2024 Influenza season will contain the following:
-
An A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
-
An A/Massachusetts/18/2022 (H3N2)-like virus;
-
A B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage) virus
-
A B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus
Please refer to FAQs for further vaccine details or contact your Pharmacist.
How much does a flu vaccination cost?
Our Flu Vaccination service costs $29.95 for those aged 5 - 64 years obtaining the egg-based quadrivalent Influenza vaccine.
Some patients may be eligible to receive a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). For those who are eligible under your state funded program, a pharmacist administration fee applies for state-funded vaccines.. For details on who is eligible please see FAQ below on: “What is the National Immunisation Program?”
WA HBF MEMBER?
HBF provides one fully covered* egg-based Flu Vaccination per year for eligible members at Pharmacy 777.
Before receiving your Flu vaccination, make sure you check that you meet the eligibility criteria. You can check by logging into myHBF or the HBF app, call us on 133 423 or visit your local HBF branch.
*You must be covered for Healthy Living Programs on your Extras cover to be eligible to claim a benefit. Benefit payable once per year. Waiting periods and limits apply. Service must be delivered by an approved, participating Pharmacy 777 in Western Australia. Other criteria, terms and conditions apply.
65 years or over?
The Australian Department of Health funds the cost of vaccines for people who are at high risk of Influenza and its complications under the NIP (National Immunisation Program). As of 1st January 2024 the cost of both the vaccine and administration fee are covered by the Government. People aged 65 years and over are eligible to receive their Government-funded Influenza vaccine at Pharmacy 777.
Frequently asked questions about the service.
-
When is the best time to get vaccinated?
The Department of Health recommends to arrange an annual vaccination against seasonal influenzas in the month of April. While protection is generally expected to last for the whole season, optimal protection against influenza occurs within the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination.
Outside of the typical flu season months, influenza vaccinations are recommended for particular groups all year round where risk of transmission to those who have a higher risk of complications from influenza infection is a risk. These groups include:
-healthcare workers and providers, particularly those caring for people who are immunocompromised
-carers and household contacts of people in high-risk groups, including people who provide home care to people at high risk of influenza
-people working in early childhood education and care
-people who provide essential community services
-people experiencing homelessness
-staff or volunteers caring for people experiencing homeless
-all residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors to aged care and long-term residential facilities
-students and trainees who need to attend a clinical or practical placement in a hospital, medical clinic, aged care or childcare facility are often required to have the up to date flu vaccination by both training organisation and placement location.
-
What about timing between vaccines?
Flu vaccines can be given at the same time as, or at any interval before or after, other vaccines, including dTpa, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines.
For the timing between the COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccines, please speak to your Pharmacist, GP or immunising health care professional about the most appropriate time to make your appointment.
-
Do I need to get a flu vaccination every year?
The flu virus can change from year to year, and because immunity from the vaccination is not long lasting, an annual vaccination is recommended for best protection.
Outside of the typical flu season months, influenza vaccinations are recommended for particular groups all year round where risk of transmission to those who have a higher risk of complications from influenza infection is a risk. These groups include:
-healthcare workers and providers, particularly those caring for people who are immunocompromised
-carers and household contacts of people in high-risk groups, including people who provide home care to people at high risk of influenza
-people working in early childhood education and care
-people who provide essential community services
-people experiencing homelessness
-staff or volunteers caring for people experiencing homeless
-all residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors to aged care and long-term residential facilities
-students and trainees who need to attend a clinical or practical placement in a hospital, medical clinic, aged care or childcare facility are often required to have the up to date flu vaccination by both training organisation and placement location.
-
Influenza (often called ‘the flu’) is a common, highly contagious virus that affects your respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs). It is not the same as the common cold. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and nose, throat and lung congestion.
The flu is a serious illness which can lead to complications and sometimes hospitalisation.
-
The flu spreads from person to person through the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also catch the flu from touching a contaminated surface or someone’s hand with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.
-
Who's most at risk of the flu?
-
What is the National Immunisation Program?
The Australian Department of Health funds the cost of vaccines for people who are at high risk of Influenza and its complications under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). These vaccines are distributed under the supervision of the WA Department of Health, who determine availability and recommended timing for the vaccine.
In 2023, WA has extended the NIP funded Influenza vaccines through community pharmacy to include:
People aged 65 years and over can now receive their NIP-funded enhanced flu vaccine at Pharmacy 777 (please note, vaccine availability is limited so if your local Pharmacy 777 does not have available appointments online, please contact them directly to check if they have any vaccines and appointments).
-
Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
-
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
-
People aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of severe influenza and its complications
-
Pregnant women (at any stage during pregnancy)
-
People aged 65 years and over
For the other eligible groups listed above, we are currently waiting for stock to arrive in-pharmacy and online bookings will be available soon.
While the cost of the vaccine is funded by the Government, a pharmacy consultation fee applies.
Click here to make a booking.
If you are eligible for a free flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program you can also visit your GP. It’s important to note that while the vaccine itself is free, your GP may charge a consultation fee.
Please note: Enhanced vaccines provided through the NIP are available from GP clinics - please contact your GP to check availability.
For further information on the National Immunisation Program go to https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-immunisation-program
-
Can the flu vaccine protect me from Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
While the flu vaccine won’t combat COVID-19, it will help reduce the severity and spread of flu, which can lower a person’s immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses. This position is supported by Health Minister, Greg Hunt.
-
Are there any side effects with the flu vaccine?
Some people may experience mild side effects following vaccination, such as:
- Localised pain, redness and/or swelling at the injection site
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Muscle aches
- Occasionally, an injection-site lump that may last several weeks
- Low-grade temperature (fever)
These side effects are usually mild, lessen within a few days, and do not normally require treatment.
More severe immediate adverse effects, such as hives or anaphylaxis, are very rare side effects of the influenza vaccination.
Your Pharmacist is trained to recognise and manage any immediate, severe reactions. They will review a pre-screening assessment prior to vaccinating you.
It is important that you report and discuss any side effects or reactions from your vaccination event (or any other medications) with your Pharmacist.
You can also self-report any adverse events or reactions on the TGA website www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
-
The flu vaccine passes stringent Government safety testing before being approved for use, and your Pharmacist will review a pre-screening assessment prior to vaccinating you.
Some people may experience mild side effects such as tenderness and/or redness at the injection site. This usually clears within a few days.
More severe immediate adverse effects, such as hives or anaphylaxis, are very rare side effects of influenza vaccination. Your Pharmacist is trained to recognise and manage any immediate, severe reactions.
The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy). Please note, if you are currently pregnant, you may be eligible for a Medicare funded vaccine through your GP. To find out more about your eligibility and any out of pocket costs, please contact your GP for more information.
-
Can you get the flu from a flu vaccination?
No. There is no live virus in the flu vaccine, so you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.
When you receive a flu vaccination, your immune system’s response is to form protective proteins (antibodies) which will provide immunity. Sometimes, flu-like symptoms may occur within 6-12 hours of receiving the vaccine and last 1-2 days. This is a common reaction to many vaccines.
-
Does the flu vaccine work straight away?
No. Protection from a flu vaccine does not occur immediately. It takes approximately 2 weeks for your immune system to form antibodies which will provide protection.
-
Are the vaccines delivered by qualified people?
Yes. At Pharmacy 777, vaccinations are delivered by Pharmacists who have successfully completed an immunisation course approved by the Department of Health, as well as first aid, CPR, and anaphylaxis training.
-
What happens during my appointment?
A trained* Pharmacist will administer a flu vaccination.
A prescription will not be required and the process only takes a few minutes.
Before you are vaccinated, your Pharmacist will ensure pre-vaccination questionnaire is completed and take you through Flu Vaccination safety information. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19, please click here for details.
Following your vaccination, your Pharmacist ask you to wait in the pharmacy for a 15 minute observation period and provide you with a printed or digital confirmation statement.
*Pharmacists providing the flu vaccination service have successfully completed an immunisation course approved by the Department of Health, as well as first aid, CPR, and anaphylaxis training.
-
Why do I have to wait for 15 minutes after being vaccinated?
If a serious reaction to the flu vaccine occurs, it will usually occur within 15 minutes of being vaccinated. It is important for you to wait in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after being vaccinated so you can be observed for any serious reactions.
Pharmacists who deliver vaccinations are trained in first aid and CPR and know how to respond to an anaphylactic reaction. In the unlikely event of a severe reaction, the Pharmacist and other pharmacy team members will act immediately to provide emergency assistance.
-
Will the Pharmacist swab the injection site?
Swabbing the injection site with an alcohol wipe prior to vaccination is no longer recommended or required unless the skin is visibly dirty. There is no increased risk of infection when the skin is not swabbed, in fact, the alcohol in the wipe can irritate the skin.
-
How do I make bookings for my whole family?
-
I am not feeling well, can I still have my flu vaccine?
You may be able to receive your flu vaccine depending on how unwell you are. When you are unwell, your immune system may be slightly weakened, affecting your body’s ability to produce enough antibodies for full protection.
If you have mild symptoms, you can still receive the vaccine, but if you are experiencing a fever and/or severely unwell, it is recommended to wait until you are feeling better.
-
What if I want to book for a large group or my business?
Pharmacy 777 has corporate booking options available to find out more please click here.
-
Can I bring my children to be vaccinated at the pharmacy?
In Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia Pharmacists can now administer Influenza vaccinations to people aged 5 years and over.
Legislations in Queensland currently allow Pharmacists to immunise patients 6 months and over.
For details on how to make bookings for multiple family members, please see FAQ above on: "How do I make bookings for my whole family?"
-
How do I cancel an appointment?
For cancellations or changes within 24 hours of your appointment:
Please call the Pharmacy 777 location you made your booking with and our team can help you rebook.
For cancellations or changes outside 24 hours of your appointment:
Please you can either call, visit or email your pharmacy to cancel or reschedule.
Following your cancellation, to book a new appointment:
Simply scroll up to the booking buttons on this page to start a new booking and schedule a new time or date.