Annual influenza vaccination is the most important way to prevent influenza and its complications.
In 2019, influenza vaccines are provided free through the National Immunisation Program. The following groups are eligible due to their increased risk of complications from influenza:
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
- all people aged 65 years and over
- people aged six months and over with medical conditions which increase the risk of influenza disease complications
In 2019, four age-specific quadrivalent influenza vaccines will be available for people aged under 65 years. For those aged 65 years and over, an enhanced trivalent vaccine will be available.
It important to get the influenza vaccine each year, as the virus changes each year. Getting the vaccine from April will provide protection before the peak influenza period, from around June to September in most parts of Australia.
Influenza vaccines are available from GPs, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services or other immunisation providers in your state or territory.
Information and resources about 2019 seasonal influenza vaccines will be available on the Department of Health’s immunisation website shortly.