Flu Season and Flu Vaccines

Our position

The Leukaemia Foundation endorses the Department of Health’s recommendations for people receiving the influenza (flu) vaccination which includes vaccination for those with higher risk for complications from the flu including people with a blood cancer, or who are immunocompromised.

If you have or have had a blood cancer, or are immunocompromised, your treatment team or haematologist may recommend you receive a second flu vaccine dose to make sure you’re as protected as possible from the flu.

Before booking your flu vaccine appointment, make sure you speak with your treatment team or haematologist about what vaccinations you may need and should have.

Frequently asked questions

What is the flu?

The flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious infection in people living with blood cancer. With people moving around more freely, we will be more vulnerable to the flu this year.

Who is most at risk of the flu and what does vaccination cost?

The following people are more at risk of complications from the flu and are eligible for free annual flu vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• People aged 65 years or over.
• People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease, including people who are immunocompromised.

In 2024, the following states and announced free flu vaccines for the general population:

• All Queensland residents over the age of 6 months can access the influenza vaccine for free in 2024. The 2024 Free Influenza Vaccination Program has now commenced. The Program will conclude on 30 September 2024.
• Free flu vaccines will be available to all Western Australians over six months of age throughout May and June.

Under the National Immunisation Program, you may meet the eligible criteria for a free vaccination. Speak with your treatment team or haematologist about what vaccinations you may need and should have, and if you qualify for a free vaccination.

When should I get the flu vaccine?

Getting vaccinated each year before the peak flu season (typically June to September) is recommended. However, it’s never too late to be vaccinated as flu can spread all year round. People with blood cancer are more vulnerable and can experience more serious illness from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself as it prepares your immune system to fight the flu virus.

Annual vaccination is important as flu vaccines change each year to help protect you against the prevailing strain of flu.

Where can I get the flu vaccine?

You can book a vaccine appointment at a range of health services, including:

• doctors or general practices
• local council immunisation clinics (available in some states and territories)
• community health centres
• Aboriginal Medical Services and
• pharmacies.

Before booking your flu vaccine appointment, make sure you speak with your treatment team or haematologist about what vaccinations you may need and should have.

I’m not able to receive the flu vaccine, what should I do?

If you cannot get the flu vaccination, encourage family and friends you spend time with to get vaccinated. This will avoid them passing the infection on to you, which can put you at higher risk of serious illness if you are immunocompromised.

Is the flu vaccine effective if I have a blood cancer or I am immunocompromised?

Studies have found patients with a current cancer diagnosis or a compromised immune system respond just as well to the flu vaccine.

It’s important to know that if you’re living with a blood cancer, or are immunocompromised, you may need a second dose of the flu vaccine if recommended by your treatment team or haematologist.

How do I know the flu vaccine is safe?

All medicines can have side effects, but the flu vaccine is very safe. The chance of having a serious problem from having a vaccine is far lower than the risk of serious harm from catching the flu. The vaccine is reviewed and endorsed annually by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) which oversees all approvals of vaccines for use in Australia.

Can people with cancer get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccine can be given at the same time, on the same day.

Flu Vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Yearly flu vaccination is recommended and free for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over. More information is available here.