Keep yourself and others well with your annual influenza vaccination.
Everyone should get an annual influenza vaccine any time from mid-April onwards to be protected during the peak flu season, which is generally June to September.
However, it’s never too late to be vaccinated as influenza can spread all year round.
The vaccine can be administered by your GP or local pharmacist. The vaccine is free for individuals who fall into any of the below groups:
- People aged 65+
- Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (aged 5+)
- People with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza (aged 5+), as outlined in the medical conditions table below.
| Category | Medical Conditions |
| Cardiac disease | Cyanotic congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease |
| Chronic respiratory conditions | Severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic emphysema |
| Chronic neurological conditions | Hereditary and degenerative CNS diseases, seizure disorders, spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disorders |
| Immunocompromising conditions | Immunocompromised due to disease or treatment, asplenia or splenic dysfunction, HIV infection |
| Diabetes and other metabolic disorders | Type 1 or 2 diabetes, chronic metabolic disorders |
| Renal disease | Chronic renal failure |
| Haematological disorders | Haemoglobinopathies |
| Long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years | These children are at increased risk of Reye syndrome following influenza infection |
Note: See the Australian Immunisation Handbook for advice on people who are strongly recommended to receive annual influenza vaccination but not eligible for NIP‑funded influenza vaccines.