Flu vaccination season has began, but should you wait to get the COVID-19 vaccine first before the flu vaccine?

This year so far, only 654,565 doses of flu vaccines have been given, compared with 2,339,287 for the same time last year. It seems that people are putting off getting their flu shot until they can book in for their COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination against influenza (flu) remains important this year. Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause widespread illness and deaths every year. Vaccination is our best defence against flu viruses.

Vaccination experts recommend waiting 14 days between getting a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine. Given this, it will be important to plan both vaccinations.

It doesn’t matter in what order you get the vaccines. However:

  • if you are in earlier phases for COVID-19 vaccination, you should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon you can. You can then plan your flu vaccination.
  • if you are in later phases for COVID-19 vaccination, you should get the flu vaccine as soon as you can. This will ensure you are ready to get your COVID‑19 vaccine when it is available to you.

You can check what phase you are in using the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker.

When you book in for your flu vaccination, remember to tell your vaccination provider or clinic if you have received the COVID-19 vaccine (and when you received it). This will help them to plan your appointment.