At Blooms The Chemist, we believe in keeping our communities healthy and thriving. One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from seasonal illness is by getting the flu vaccination every year.
Here’s why it’s matters - and how we can help.
Influenza isn't just 'a bad cold'
Many people underestimate the seriousness of influenza (the flu), but it’s far more than just a sniffle or a sore throat.
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that’s usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Once you have the flu, you can be infections from 24 hours before you have symptoms up until a week afterwards!1
Even if you’re healthy, the flu can cause days of fever, body aches, fatigue, and time off work or school.
The flu virus changes every year
Unlike many other viruses, the influenza is constantly evolving, which is why a one-time vaccine isn’t enough to protect you.
Each year, medical researchers update the flu vaccine to target the most common circulating strains, but different strains can be more severe for certain age groups.
Getting vaccinated annually ensures you’re protected against the versions of the virus that are most likely to affect Australians during flu season.
It also wears off after three to four months, so while you may be protected this flu season, you won’t be protected from the strains that could come around next year1.
Protect yourself AND your community
By getting vaccinated, you help to reduce the spread of the flu, especially to those who are more vulnerable, like young children, the immunocompromised and the elderly, who may experience more severe complications of the flu, including pneumonia and in some cases, death2.
It’s a simple act that makes a big difference.
If you get your flu vaccination today, you’ll have immunity during peak flu season, which in 2025 is expected to be around July and August.
When should you get your flu shot?
Virtually everyone over six months of age should get a flu vaccination - unless a medical reason not to.
Flu season in Australia typically occurs between June and September2, but Doctors are warning that the flu season in 2025 may arrive and peak earlier this year.
More than 48,000 confirmed cases of influenza have already been recorded in 2025, so getting vaccinated sooner rather than later can help protect you during the peak, which is around July / August3.
Some people may be eligible for a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). You can check your eligibility here.
Visit your local Blooms The Chemist today and protect yourself and your community from the flu this season. It isn’t just a flu vaccine, it’s your first step towards a healthier Winter.
References:
1Queensland Government, The flu vaccine and why it’s so important, accessed 2 April 2025
2Better Health Victoria, Influenza (flu) – immunisation, accessed 2 April 2025
3The ABC, GPs warn of earlier than usual ‘severe’ flu season in Australia, accessed 15 April 2025