Flu Shot Vaccine in Penrith

Stop the spread and protect yourself from influenza. Get vaccinated at Medical and Fitness Centre in Penrith, Sydney.

We offer free flu shots in Penrith and surrounding suburbs (ask your GP for FREE eligibility criteria). Our expert staff and GPs provide flu vaccines to all age groups, including children and seniors.

What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system, including your nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in extreme cases, can be fatal. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated annually.

Symptoms of the Flu

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Body aches
  • Nausea and Diarrhoea (more common in children)

Seek medical attention if you experience;

  • Severe chest ache
  • Constant dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Worsening medical conditions
  • Severe Muscle pain or weakness
  • List Item

For children, watch out for:

Causes and Spread of Flu

The flu virus spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale these droplets or pick up the virus by touching contaminated surfaces. People are contagious from one day before symptoms appear to five days after. Children and those with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer.

Why Get a Flu Vaccine in Penrith?

Due to the rapidly evolving flu viruses, last year’s vaccination may not protect you this year. Each flu vaccine’s effectiveness varies annually because the virus evolves. Therefore, the level of protection from a flu vaccination differs from season to season and is influenced by the age and health of the individual receiving the vaccine. New flu shot vaccines are introduced each year to combat new flu viruses.

Importantly, antibody levels may decrease over time, making it essential to receive yearly flu vaccinations for the development of memory cells and prolonged immunity.

When you receive a vaccination at Medical and Fitness Centre Penrith, your immune system will generate antibodies to fight the disease-causing agents, preventing the spread or development of the disease.

Who Should Receive the Flu Shot?

Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for the flu vaccine in Penrith. Vaccination is particularly crucial for those at high risk of viral complications, such as:

  • Pregnant women
  • Senior citizens
  • All children over six months
  • People with compromised immune systems
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community

How Many Doses of the Flu Shot Do I Need?

Most people only need one flu shot each year to stay protected. Annual vaccination is recommended because flu strains change regularly and protection from previous vaccines fades over time.

However, some people need two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart, including:

  • Children from six months to eight years should get two doses of flu vaccination in Penrith, with the gap of at least four weeks for the first time.
  • Kids having one or more doses of regular flu shots or aging nine years or more will need only one yearly dosage of flu vaccination.
  • Flu vaccine for pregnant and flu vaccine for children is strictly advisable to cope with seasonal allergic reactions.
  • People receiving their first flu vaccination after a stem cell transplant, organ transplant or CAR T-cell therapy

If you’re unsure how many doses you or your child might need, our GPs at Medical & Fitness Centre in Penrith can advise you during your visit. 

Who can get a Free Flu Vaccine: 

Medical and Fitness Centre offers FREE free flu vaccines in Penrith for:

  • children 6 months to less than 5 years
  • pregnant women
  • people aged 65 and over 
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 
  • People with certain medical conditions.

For More Info, Please see your GP or visit below:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/flu-providers-eligibility.aspx

When Is the Best Time to Get a Flu Shot?

The best time to get your annual flu vaccine in Penrith is from April onwards, ahead of the winter flu season. This allows your body time to build protection before flu activity typically peaks between June and September.

Vaccination offers the highest level of protection during the first three to four months after the shot, so timing it early in the season is ideal. That said, it’s never too late — flu can circulate year-round and getting vaccinated at any point during the season still provides valuable protection.

Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), new season influenza vaccines are usually available from April, though availability may vary slightly by clinic. At Medical & Fitness Centre, our team can let you know when NIP vaccines are in stock and guide you through the booking process — or you can simply walk in.

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over, including pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. You can also get the flu vaccine in Penrith on the same day as your COVID-19 shot, once you’re feeling well and fever-free.

Flu Vaccine Side Effects

Common side effects of the flu vaccine include:

  • Irritation, redness, inflammation, or swelling at the injection site
  • Low-grade headache
  • Nausea
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue

In rare cases, the flu vaccine can cause fainting, similar to other injections.

Why Choose Medical & Fitness Centre for Your Flu Vaccination in Penrith?

When it comes to flu vaccination in Penrith, convenience, experience and accessibility matter. Here’s why locals choose Medical & Fitness Centre every year:

  • Walk-in availability 365 days a year — No need to plan ahead. We're open every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays, so you can come in when it suits your schedule.
  • Minimal wait times — With more GPs recently joining our team, you won’t have to wait long — you’ll be accommodated even during the busiest times of the flu season.
  • Vaccinations for all ages — Our experienced medical team is trained to provide flu vaccinations for everyone, from six-month-old babies to older adults, with care that suits every stage of life.
  • One-stop health centre — In addition to flu shots, you’ll have access to general practitioners, specialists and allied health all in one place, making follow-up or additional care easy and seamless.
  • On-site and off-site options — Get vaccinated at our Penrith clinic or let us come to you. We provide mobile flu vaccination services for local workplaces, schools and community organisations.
Get Your Family and Yourself Vaccinated!

To combat this year’s expected severe influenza season, the Medical & Fitness Centre invites Penrith residents to roll up their sleeves and get a flu vaccination. You can arrange your flu shot by visiting our contact page. Once your flu vaccination appointment is confirmed, you can come in for a check-up. We ensure that everyone in your family is protected over six months before the winter flu season, as experts predict a severe influenza season.

Flu Vaccine to local business and schools.

The Medical & Fitness Centre can also visit local businesses and organisations to administer flu vaccines. Flu vaccines help prevent flu-related illnesses, reducing the negative impact of flu in the workplace.

Workplace Flu Vaccine