The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

There are new flu vaccines on offer for 2024. Should I get one? What do I need to know?

  • Written by Allen Cheng, Professor of Infectious Diseases, Monash University
There are new flu vaccines on offer for 2024. Should I get one? What do I need to know?

Influenza is a common respiratory infection. Although most cases are relatively mild, flu can cause more severe illness in young children and older people.

Influenza virtually disappeared[1] from Australia during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic when public health restrictions reduced contact between people. Since 2022, it has returned to a seasonal pattern, although the flu season has started and peaked a few months earlier than before 2020.

It’s difficult to predict the intensity of the flu season at this point in the year, but we can sometimes get clues from the northern hemisphere. There, the season started[2] earlier[3] than usual for the third year running (peaking in early January rather than late February/March), with a similar number of reported cases and hospitalisations to the previous year.

Influenza vaccines are recommended annually, but there are now an increasing number of different vaccine types. Here’s what to know about this year’s shots, available from this month[4].

What goes into a flu vaccine?

Like other vaccines, influenza vaccines work by “training” the immune system on a harmless component of the influenza virus (known as an antigen), so it can respond appropriately when the body encounters the real virus.

Influenza strains are constantly changing due to genetic mutation, with the pace of genetic change much higher[5] than for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID). The strains that go into the vaccine are reviewed[6] twice each year by the World Health Organization (WHO), which selects vaccine strains to match the next season’s predicted circulating strains.

Read more: Flu vaccine won't definitely stop you from getting the flu, but it's more important than you think[7]

All current influenza vaccines in Australia[8] contain four different strains (known as quadrivalent vaccines). One of the strains appeared to disappear[9] during the COVID pandemic, and the WHO has recently recommended[10] dropping this strain from the vaccine. It’s expected trivalent (three strain) vaccines will become available in the near future.

What’s different about new flu vaccines?

There are eight brands of flu vaccines available[11] in Australia in 2024. These include egg-based vaccines (Vaxigrip Tetra, Fluarix Tetra, Afluria Quad, FluQuadri and Influvac Tetra), cell-based vaccines (Flucelvax Quad), adjuvanted vaccines (Fluad Quad) and high-dose vaccines (Fluzone High-Dose Quad).

Until recently, the process of manufacturing flu vaccines has remained similar. Since the development of the influenza vaccine in the 1940s[12], influenza viruses were grown in chicken eggs, then extracted, inactivated, purified and processed to make up the egg-based vaccines that are still used widely.

However, there have been several enhancements to influenza vaccines in recent years.

A senior man sitting on a couch using a tissue.
Flu can cause more severe symptoms in older people. Jelena Stanojkovic/Shutterstock[13]

Older people’s immune systems tend not to respond as strongly to vaccines. In some flu vaccines, adjuvants (components that stimulate the immune system) are included with the influenza antigens. For example, an adjuvant is used in the Fluad Quad vaccine, recommended for over 65s. Studies suggest[14] adjuvanted influenza vaccines are slightly better than standard egg-based vaccines without adjuvant in older people.

An alternative approach to improving the immune response is to use higher doses of the vaccine strains. An example is Fluzone High-Dose Quad – another option for older adults – which contains the equivalent of four doses of a standard influenza vaccine. Studies suggest[15] the high dose vaccine is better than the standard dose vaccine (without an adjuvant) in preventing hospitalisation and complications in older people.

Other manufacturers have updated the manufacturing process. Cell-based vaccines, such as Flucelvax Quad, use cells instead of eggs in the manufacturing process. Other vaccines that are not yet available[16] also use different technologies. In the past, manufacturing issues[17] with egg-based vaccines have reduced their effectiveness. Using an alternative method of production provides some degree of insurance against this in the future.

Read more: Should I get the flu shot if I'm pregnant?[18]

What should I do this year?

Given indications this year’s flu season may be earlier than usual, it’s probably safest to get your vaccine early. This is particularly important[19] for those at highest risk of severe illness, including older adults (65 years and over), those with chronic medical conditions, young children (six months to five years) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Influenza vaccines are also recommended in pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby for the first months of life.

Influenza vaccines are widely available, including at GP clinics and pharmacies, while many workplaces have occupational programs. For high-risk groups, four of the vaccines[20] are subsidised by the Australian government through the National Immunisation Program[21].

A pregnant woman talking to a nurse.
Flu vaccines are free for pregnant women. MilanMarkovic78/Shutterstock[22]

In older people, a number of vaccines are now recommended: COVID[23] and influenza, as well as one-off courses of pneumococcal[24] and shingles[25] vaccines. In general, most vaccines can be given in the same visit, but talk to your doctor about which ones you need.

Are there side effects?

All influenza vaccines can cause[26] a sore arm and sometimes more generalised symptoms such as fever and tiredness. These are expected and reflect the immune system reacting appropriately to the vaccine, and are mostly mild and short-term. These side effects are slightly more common in adjuvanted[27] and high dose[28] vaccines.

As with all medications and vaccines, allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis can occur after the flu vaccine. All vaccine providers are trained to recognise and respond to anaphylaxis. People with egg allergies should discuss this with their doctor, but in general, studies suggest[29] they can safely receive any (including egg-based) influenza vaccines.

Serious side effects from the influenza vaccine, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological complication, are very rare (one case per million people vaccinated). They are thought[30] to be less common after influenza vaccination than after infection with influenza.

References

  1. ^ disappeared (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  2. ^ started (www.who.int)
  3. ^ earlier (gis.cdc.gov)
  4. ^ this month (www.health.gov.au)
  5. ^ much higher (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  6. ^ reviewed (www.who.int)
  7. ^ Flu vaccine won't definitely stop you from getting the flu, but it's more important than you think (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ Australia (www.tga.gov.au)
  9. ^ disappear (www.nejm.org)
  10. ^ recommended (cdn.who.int)
  11. ^ available (www.health.gov.au)
  12. ^ 1940s (www.who.int)
  13. ^ Jelena Stanojkovic/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  14. ^ suggest (ncirs.org.au)
  15. ^ suggest (ncirs.org.au)
  16. ^ not yet available (www.cdc.gov)
  17. ^ manufacturing issues (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  18. ^ Should I get the flu shot if I'm pregnant? (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ important (www.health.gov.au)
  20. ^ four of the vaccines (www.health.gov.au)
  21. ^ National Immunisation Program (www.health.gov.au)
  22. ^ MilanMarkovic78/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  23. ^ COVID (www.health.gov.au)
  24. ^ pneumococcal (www.health.gov.au)
  25. ^ shingles (www.health.gov.au)
  26. ^ cause (www.health.gov.au)
  27. ^ adjuvanted (ncirs.org.au)
  28. ^ high dose (ncirs.org.au)
  29. ^ studies suggest (www.allergy.org.au)
  30. ^ thought (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Read more https://theconversation.com/there-are-new-flu-vaccines-on-offer-for-2024-should-i-get-one-what-do-i-need-to-know-226623

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...