Flu spreads through someone talking, laughing, coughing or sneezing, then ingested by touching your mouth, nose or eyes after touching something the virus-containing droplets have recently landed on.  

The flu and COVID-19 are different diseases so you need both vaccines to be protected from each one. A flu shot provides a specific ‘key’ that unlocks a strengthened immune response to protect against influenza. And a COVID-19 vaccine provides a different ‘key’ that also unlocks a strengthened immune response to protect against COVID-19. There is no master key that works for all viruses, so getting vaccinated against both infectious diseases will help keep you healthy. Getting the flu shot will not counteract the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

No, they can be given on the same day. Studies show that co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is safe and produces a good immune response.  

This season’s vaccine is Afluria Quad.

Included in it is egg-based quadrivalent vaccine.

• A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus (A/Victoria/4897/2022 IVR-238): 15 micrograms HA* per dose
• A/Thailand/8/2022 (H3N2)-like virus (A/Thailand/8/2022 IVR-237): 15 micrograms HA* per dose
• B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus (B/Austria/1359417/2021 BVR-26): 15 micrograms HA* per dose
• B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Phuket/3073/2013 BVR-1B): 15 micrograms HA* per dose *HA – hemagglutinin                       

This does not contain an adjuvant, thus reducing the risk of a reaction. Adjuvant-free vaccination is the safer vaccine of choice in a non-clinical setting.

It takes up to 2 weeks after vaccination for the body to start protecting against flu.   

Influenza is not just a ‘bad cold’. Although some of the symptoms are the same, influenza is usually much more severe, often has a sudden onset and can have much more serious consequences. 

Flu may include any or all of the following symptoms: 

• Fever 
• Muscle or body aches 
• Headache 
• Dry cough 
• Sore throat
• Runny nose 
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Lack of energy, – may be severe and last for two or more weeks 

Where can I find more information about flu and the influenza vaccination? 

The following NZ websites have reliable and credible information:  

• Home | fightflu.co.nz
• Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand | Flu (Influenza)
• Influenza – information for health professionals | Ministry of Health NZ  
• Immunisation Advisory Centre | (immune.org.nz)

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine declines over time. However, it provides protection for up to 6 months on average.