Influenza or “the flu” is a highly contagious respiratory virus and in some cases can lead to death. More than 280 flu-related deaths were reported in Queensland in 2025. Vaccination is the best protection against severe illness from flu.
Darling Downs Health Public Health Unit Nurse Manager Teresa McGorm has worked in the field for more than 20 years and been through 2 pandemics – she explains how it works and tackles the myths around flu vaccinations.
How does the flu vaccination work?
When you get your vaccination, you receive a vaccine which contains antigens (a marker that tells your immune system whether something in your body is harmful or not) for influenza.
Each year’s vaccine is formulated to contain strains of the virus expected to be predominant over winter.
After being vaccinated, your body will then produce antibodies and protect you against future infections.
Why should I get my flu vaccination?
You should get your flu vaccination annually - although it can be a mild disease, it can also cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people.
We recommend at risk groups get their vaccinations - it includes:
- children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- people aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 6 months and over
- pregnant women
When should I get my flu vaccination?
We recommend any time from mid to late April, early May so that you have protection against the flu up until the peak season which is usually mid-August.
What is FluMist?
FluMist is the new live intranasal vaccine for intranasal influenza vaccine for children aged 2 years and up to the day before their 6th birthday. It's given into each nostril, and it is a new vaccine in 2026 that we're hoping will be taken up by parents.
Note: The free nasal spray flu vaccine program was expanded on 19 May 2026 to kids and teenagers aged 6 to 17 who struggle with or are uncomfortable getting a needle vaccination.
Is it safe getting a flu vaccination?
The vaccine is safe. All of the influenza vaccines are safe, and everyone should get vaccinated. Having an influenza vaccine does not guarantee that you won't get influenza. You may get mild flu-like symptoms after your vaccine, but the cost of an influenza vaccine is far cheaper than if you were to be hospitalised and end up in intensive care.
Is the flu vaccination toxic?
Flu vaccines are safe and effective, and everyone should get one.
I’ve forgotten to get vaccinated, is it too late?
It's never too late to vaccinate and people throughout the year and even late into our winter and early spring, if they're travelling overseas, we always recommend you get a flu vaccine.
Where can I get my flu vaccination in Queensland?
You can get your flu vaccination at your preferred provider, that might be your GP, it might be a pharmacy, or it might be an Aboriginal Medical Service.