Most people can have the flu shot. Booking and consent are online (see Book your workplace flu shot appointment), so bring nothing. Stay 15 minutes afterwards.
In Australia, every vaccinator we send is a Registered Nurse with HESA-accredited Nurse Immuniser training. In New Zealand, clinics are run by qualified local immunisation nurses.
Tell the nurse if you feel unwell, or if:
- You have had anaphylaxis after a flu vaccine or any of its ingredients. This is the only absolute reason not to be vaccinated.
- You have had Guillain-Barré syndrome. Tell the nurse, and say whether it started within 6 weeks of a vaccine. If your first episode was not after a flu vaccine, the AIH says you have an extremely low risk of recurrence and flu vaccination is recommended. If it started within 6 weeks of a vaccine, the AIH says you may have a higher risk of GBS recurrence, so talk through the risks and benefits with your GP before your flu shot.
- You are 65 or over. We recommend the enhanced vaccine. In Australia it is government-funded under the National Immunisation Program at your GP or pharmacy. If you'd rather not go, you can have the standard adult flu vaccine at your workplace at no cost to you. It protects you less than the enhanced vaccine, but it is better than no vaccine.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Nothing changes for you: the flu shot is recommended in each pregnancy, at any stage, and while breastfeeding, and more so in pregnancy because you are at higher risk from flu. Ask the nurse anything you're unsure about.
What to expect
Flu vaccines do not cause influenza. A sore injection site is common (more than 10% of people). Fever or muscle aches (1 to 10%) may last 1 to 2 days. Anaphylaxis is very rare (AIH).
Stay at least 15 minutes after your shot, and don't drive during that time. Seriously unwell later? Call 000 (111 in New Zealand).
Still stuck? Email flu@corporatecare.com.au.
Sources: AIH influenza chapter, last updated 30/09/2026: pregnancy and breastfeeding, each pregnancy, higher risk in pregnancy, do not cause influenza, injection site reactions, 1 to 10%, 1 to 2 days, 65 and over. AIH after vaccination, last updated 30/09/2026: anaphylaxis very rare, 15 minutes.