Influenza

The flu can be serious but there are simple ways we can all help protect our community. 

• Stay home if you're feeling unwell
• Wash and sanitise your hands regularly
• Cover coughs and sneezes – remember to cough or sneeze into you elbow (not your hand) and wear a facemask if unwell
• Get your annual flu vaccine – it’s recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over, and the vaccine is free for eligible groups.
• Ask about other vaccines that you may benefit from to keep you well this winter as well, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines (see below).  

This is because the strains of flu virus that are going around can change from year to year and protection can reduce over time. 

Certain groups are eligible for a free annual flu vaccine each year under the National Immunisation Program:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• People aged 65 years or over
• People aged 6 months or over who have certain medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of severe flu

While the vaccine is free for these eligible groups, there may be an administration or appointment cost. Ask your healthcare provider.

While not 100% effective, the flu vaccine is safe and reduces your chances of catching the flu. It also reduces your risk of developing a severe illness from the flu. 

In late 2025, Australia has approved an intranasal flu vaccine (‘FluMist’) as a needle-free alternative to the traditional flu injection for children aged 2 to <18 years. It delivers the flu vaccine through the nose in the form of a nasal spray.

The intranasal flu vaccine is not currently funded on the Australian National Immunisation Program Schedule; this means that in Victoria, if you would prefer your child receive an intranasal flu vaccine, you will have to pay for your child to get it using a private prescription. 

Both intranasal and injectable flu vaccines are equally effective and safe when used in appropriate age groups and in people with suitable health status. Your child will still need to get a flu vaccine every year – whether they have the intranasal spray or the injection. Speak with your child’s doctor or local immunisation service. 

Learn more about the intranasal flu vaccine on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance website.  

Other vaccines on the National Immunisation Program can be given safely at the same visit with a flu vaccine.

Vaccines that are particularly relevant to consider around flu season are RSV vaccines, Pneumococcal vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infections. RSV Vaccine is free and recommended for pregnant women (all year round) as well as eligible infants during Victoria’s RSV season. It is also free for older adults aged 75 years and above (or 60 years and above for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples). Speak to your immunisation provider for individual advice. 

Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause severe invasive disease, including meningitis, pneumonia and bacteraemia, and non-invasive disease, including otitis media. Adults age 70 or over (or 50 years if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples) are recommended to have a free, single dose of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (13vPCV, 15vPCV or 20vPCV) if they have never received a pneumococcal vaccine before. (Note: Children in Australia receive a course of pneumococcal vaccination routinely under the National Immunisation Program.)

Regular COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. They are especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19. Refer to Australian Government COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations for up-to-date guidance on primary and booster doses.