Influenza (also called flu) is a very contagious infection of the airways. Anyone can catch it, but it can be very serious for babies, young children, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions. Some people need hospitalisation and it can cause death. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your family from serious disease caused by influenza. Influenza vaccines are given every year to protect against the most common strains of the virus.
Get your annual influenza vaccine anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season (June to September). The highest level of protection happens in the first 3 to 4 months after vaccination.
It's never too late to get your vaccination, since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. It is free under the National Immunisation Program for people most at risk, including:
- children 6 months to less than 5 years
- pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- people aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- people with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of influenza.
