Influenza vaccinations are now available to all Monash Health employees.
Read the answers to some of your common questions about the flu vaccination below:
Do I have to get the influenza vaccine?
We expect all healthcare employees to receive an Influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccination is an easy and safe way of protecting ourselves, our patients and each other.
Without a vaccine, you may become unwell or pass on Influenza to vulnerable colleagues, relatives and patients.
When is the best time to get the flu vaccination?
We recommend you have your Influenza vaccination as soon as you can. It takes two weeks for the immunity to be built after being vaccinated. Ideally you are fully immunised before the Influenza season begins and this will be achieved if you get vaccinated early when the vaccines become available.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are vaccinated or have completed the declaration form.
Can I receive other vaccinations with the flu vaccination?
Yes, you can receive other vaccines with a flu vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine.
You can visit Monash Immunisation at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton to receive a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Visit the Getting a COVID-19 vaccination page for available drop-in sessions.
I have received my flu vaccination already outside of Monash Health services. What do I do?
If you have already received or are intending to get a flu vaccine from a service outside of Monash Health, you must complete the online declaration form here.
Where can I get the flu vaccination?
You can view a list of drop-in flu vaccination clinics and roaming flu vaccination sessions on the Getting an Influenza (flu) vaccination page. The list shows the locations and times for the upcoming fortnight and will be updated weekly.
Flu vaccination will be made available at your Monash Health campus or community site over the next few weeks in a clinic or roaming vaccination model. However, flu vaccination will not be offered on public holidays.
Do I need to get the flu vaccination each year?
Yes, Influenza viruses are constantly changing. A person’s immune protection from the vaccine declines over time. Annual vaccination is needed for optimal protection as your immunity would wane over a year
The 2023 Influenza vaccine has one strain that’s different to last year’s vaccine. So it is important to get the most up-to-date vaccine.
I am immunocompromised and/or pregnant. Can I receive the flu vaccination?
Yes, it is safe for you to receive a flu vaccine if you are immunocompromised. Pregnant women are highly recommended to get the Influenza vaccine at any stage during their pregnancy. Following birth, mothers who have the Influenza vaccine while pregnant provide their babies with a bit of extra protection against Influenza.
I have a cold / COVID-19. Can I receive the flu vaccination?
If you are unwell or have COVID-19 please do not come into the workplace. If you have COVID-19, please follow these steps. Once you are well again and not infectious, you can receive your flu vaccine with Monash Health.
I am working from home, what should I do?
If you are working remotely, you can visit clinic locations at Monash Medical Centre, Dandenong, Moorabbin, Kingston or Casey Hospital.
You can also choose to receive your Influenza vaccine off-site at a pharmacy or GP. If you have received your vaccination elsewhere or are not participating, you must complete the quick online declaration form.
For more information about the employee flu vaccination program at Monash Health, visit our Getting an Influenza (flu) vaccination page via the Employee Vaccination Hub. You will also find the answers to more frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the employee flu vaccinations.
Get in front of the flu; help protect yourself, your family, our patients, colleagues and community.
Approved by Michelle O’Rourke, Director Clinical Operations, Public Health, Infection Prevention and Immunisation on behalf of Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director, Infection Prevention and Epidemiology