Why getting your flu shot is the best defence

Imagine a shield that protects you and your loved ones from falling seriously ill. Vaccination campaigns are a powerful tool to stop the spread of diseases like the flu and to keep us safe. By getting vaccinated, we create a protective bubble known as herd immunity, making it harder for diseases to spread and protecting the most vulnerable.

But here’s the thing: diseases don’t wait around. They take advantage whenever community immunity starts to weaken. This can happen when people skip vaccines, or when their vaccine protection fades over time. That’s why quick and timely vaccination efforts are crucial, especially when disease outbreaks begin to rise in winter.

When it comes to the flu, vaccination is a yearly must. Why? The flu virus is like a shape-shifter—it constantly mutates, making last year’s vaccine less effective. This is due to something called antigenic drift, small changes in the virus’s structure. Sometimes, the virus undergoes a major makeover called an antigenic shift, introducing new strains we haven’t seen before, leading to pandemics.

Because of these changes, experts tweak the flu vaccine every year to match the circulating strains. That’s why it’s essential to get vaccinated before the winter flu season kicks off. Think of it as updating your antivirus software—timely updates keep you and those around you safe.

Getting the flu vaccine will lower your risk of catching the flu but in certain groups, like kids and older adults, the benefits are even greater. For instance, vaccinating just five children can prevent one case of the flu, and for the elderly, 29 vaccinations will achieve the same result.

Let’s explore side effects. While some people (between 1 to 10%) may feel a bit achy or tired, or notice mild redness at the injection spot, these symptoms only last 1–2 days. Serious reactions are incredibly rare, and less than one in 200 people need to see a doctor in the days following vaccination. Small trade-offs for potentially big protection.

The best news – in 2025, everyone in Queensland aged 6 months and older can receive a free flu vaccine. So why wait, make an appointment with your GP today and take this step to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Together, we can keep the flu away and enjoy a healthier year.

Written by Dr Jardin Taha