The influenza vaccination for 2026 is now available and people are encouraged to get their vaccine as soon as they can.
“Vaccination gives the best protection against the flu and against the disease’s severity,” said Professor Rhonda Stuart, the Director of the South East Public Health Unit. “Optimal protection starts 2 weeks after vaccination so it’s best to be prepared and get the vaccine soon.”
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. The peak season is generally June to September.
Flu is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). It affects people of all ages but is especially serious for babies, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.
The flu vaccine is free for children aged 6 month to 5 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, pregnant women, anyone aged 65 years or over and anyone aged 6 months or over with a serious medical condition that puts them at higher risk.
You can get a flu vaccine from your GP, local council immunisation service or local pharmacist immuniser. Some workplaces provide flu vaccination programs to employees.
On average each year in Australia, influenza causes approximately 100 deaths and 5100 hospitalisations. These numbers are widely believed to under-represent the true burden of the disease.