Private Flu Vaccines are now available at your local Surry Hills Medical Centre. This is available to purchase for $25.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to severe health complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. Annual vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent influenza and its associated complications.
2025 Influenza Vaccine Strains in New South Wales
For the 2025 flu season, the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) has recommended updates to the vaccine composition to better match circulating strains. The quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs) available in New South Wales will include the following strains:
- Egg-based vaccines:
- A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
- A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus
- Cell-based vaccines:
- A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
- A/District of Columbia/27/2023 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus
These updates aim to enhance the vaccine’s effectiveness against the most prevalent flu strains anticipated during the 2025 season.
Please visit NSW Health for more information:
Health Benefits of Influenza Vaccination
Receiving the annual influenza vaccine offers numerous health benefits, including:
- Reduced Risk of Illness: The vaccine lowers the likelihood of contracting the flu, thereby preventing symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches.
- Prevention of Severe Outcomes: Vaccination significantly decreases the risk of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. For instance, during the 2019-2020 season, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 100,000 flu-related hospitalizations.
- Protection of Vulnerable Populations: By getting vaccinated, individuals contribute to community immunity, safeguarding those who are more susceptible to severe flu complications, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While the influenza vaccine is safe for the majority of people, some individuals may experience mild side effects, including:
- Local Reactions: Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
- Systemic Symptoms: Headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches, or fatigue.
These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
Severe adverse reactions are exceedingly rare. For example, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition causing muscle weakness and paralysis, occurs in approximately one in a million vaccinated individuals.
Crown St Medical Centre: Your Partner in Health
At Crown St Medical Centre in Surry Hills, we are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services, including annual influenza vaccinations. Our experienced Surry Hills Doctors and Surry Hills GPs are dedicated to ensuring your well-being and are available to address any questions or concerns you may have about the flu vaccine.
Private Flu vaccines are currently available for $25. The consultation is bulk-billed when you book a flu vaccine consultation.
Government Funded ‘Free’ Influenza Vaccines are available from late April.
We encourage everyone, especially those in high-risk groups, to receive their flu shot to protect themselves and the community. To schedule your vaccination or to learn more about our services, please contact Crown St Medical Centre today.
Protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season—get vaccinated and stay healthy.
