Melbourne, 16 March 2026 – Fluad, an adjuvanted influenza (flu) vaccine, has now been approved for Australians aged 50 and over.
Fluad has been funded in Australia since 2018 for adults aged 65 and over on the National Immunisation Program.1 In that time, millions of senior Australians have received the vaccine for free annually.2
People aged 50 and over may be at higher risk of severe flu due to immune system decline and an increasing likelihood of underlying health conditions.
Studies show that the immune system can change with age and from mid-life some people may be at a higher risk of catching flu and experiencing serious complications, particularly if they have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.3,4
At the same time, the immune system may not respond as effectively to flu vaccines as younger people.3,4
Each year in Australia, flu is estimated to cause over 13,500 hospitalisations and more than 3,000 deaths in adults aged 50 and over.5 23% of lab confirmed flu notifications were in adults ≥50 years and 11% were in adults 50–64 years between 2022–25.6
In 2025, 27.5% of flu cases were reported in adults ≥50 years and over, and 12% were in adults 50-64 years.8
Only one-third of 50–64-year-olds were vaccinated against flu in 2025.2
Professor Paul Van Buynder, Public Health Physician and GP, says that flu can have serious impacts for some people in their 50s and beyond.
"If you're over 50, your immune system has changed – even if your lifestyle hasn't. Catching flu could mean hospitalisation or worse and that's why it's so important to think about the flu season ahead and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your personal risk and the flu vaccine option that's right for you."
Dr Nick Coatsworth, Patients Australia, says many Australians feel in their prime at 50 and don't have flu on their mind.
"There's really no such thing as 'just the flu.' It's a disease that can really knock you around – even a mild case can be a week or two of feeling really unwell and missing work and time with family and friends."
"We can see from the data that people in their 50s just aren't aware of their risk when it comes to flu. Only about one in three Australians aged 50–64 received a flu vaccine last year, compared with almost two thirds of people 65 and over."2
Dr Jules Bayliss, Vaccines Medical Director for CSL Seqirus, says reducing the impact of flu is a key part of the company's mission.
"We welcome the news that more Australians will be able to access Fluad if they choose. As an Australian company, our mission is to reduce the potentially devastating impact of flu on families, communities and our health system. Today's announcement is another important step towards this vision."
About Influenza
Influenza is a common viral infection that affects people of all ages.7 It can mean a week or two of symptoms and missing out on time with friends and loved ones as well as missed study, work or school. For some it can be a very serious disease that may lead to hospitalisation and sometimes even death.7
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.7 It is available for free for people most at risk under the National Immunisation Program, including children aged 6 months to 5 years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with certain medical conditions.7
