Flu & Covid Vaccines

At Friendship Square Medical, we provide flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to help protect our patients and the wider community.

Respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 can cause mild illness for some people, but can be serious for others, particularly older adults, young children, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of severe illness, complications and hospitalisation.

How we can help

Our vaccination services include:

  • Annual influenza vaccination

  • COVID-19 vaccination and booster advice

  • Flu and COVID-19 vaccines in the same visit, where appropriate

  • Vaccination advice for older adults

  • Vaccination advice during pregnancy

  • Vaccination advice for people with chronic medical conditions

  • Vaccination advice for children and teenagers

  • Review of your immunisation history

  • Catch-up vaccination advice

  • Assistance with vaccine eligibility and timing

  • Advice about side effects and precautions

Flu vaccines

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. The Australian Immunisation Handbook particularly recommends flu vaccination for people at higher risk of severe illness, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions.

In Victoria, annual influenza vaccination is generally recommended from April onwards to provide protection before the usual peak influenza season, which is typically from June to September. Vaccination can still be worthwhile later in the season while influenza is circulating.

Some people are eligible for a government-funded flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. Your GP or nurse can help confirm your eligibility and discuss which vaccine is most appropriate for you.

COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination recommendations vary depending on age, health conditions, previous vaccination history and level of risk.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all adults aged 18 years and over, with further doses recommended or considered for some people depending on age and risk factors.

Older adults and people with significant medical conditions may benefit from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. Your GP can help you understand whether you are due for a booster and the best timing for your circumstances.

Can I have the flu and COVID vaccines together?

In many cases, flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same appointment. This can be convenient and helps ensure you are protected before winter or before periods of higher risk.

Your GP or nurse will check your eligibility, timing and medical history before vaccination.

Who should especially consider vaccination?

Flu and COVID-19 vaccination is particularly important if you:

  • Are aged 65 or older

  • Are pregnant

  • Have heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease

  • Have a weakened immune system

  • Have a neurological condition or significant disability

  • Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

  • Live or work in aged care, health care or disability care

  • Care for someone at higher risk of severe illness

  • Have young children or vulnerable family members at home

If you are currently unwell

If you have a fever or are acutely unwell, you may be advised to delay vaccination until you have recovered. If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise well, vaccination may still be possible.

Please let reception know if you have respiratory symptoms when booking or attending your appointment.

Book an appointment

To arrange your flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine or booster advice, please book an Immunisation appointment.

If you are unsure whether you are due, please bring any available vaccination records or check your immunisation history statement through Medicare before your appointment.