Annual influenza vaccination is the most important way to prevent influenza and its complications. Annual vaccination is recommended for anyone aged 6 months and over who wishes to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications.
Influenza vaccines are funded on the National Immunisation Program in 2019 for the following groups 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 certain medical conditions which increase their risk of complications from influenza
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 is 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.
