Territorians are encouraged to get their flu vaccination shots to protect themselves from getting sick.The 2026 influenza (commonly known as flu) vaccine is now available in the Northern Territory (NT). Territorians can access the influenza vaccine from their GP, health clinic (including remote health clinics) and participating pharmacies.
Territorians are being urged to roll up their sleeves and get the flu shot to stay healthy.
Flu vaccination is recommended annually as the Territory enters the Dry season in the Top End, and winter in our southern parts.
During this period, flu case numbers peak across Australia.
Minister for Health Steve Edgington is urging all Territorians over the age of six months to get the flu vaccine.
"Flu strains change every year-getting your annual vaccine is the best way to stay protected.
"Getting the flu shot protects you-and helps stop the spread to others. No one wants to get sick at any time, but as the dry season and tourist season approaches in both the Top End and Central Australia, we want Territorians out and about enjoying our unique lifestyle, so I encourage everyone to get their flu shot," Mr Edgington said.
Influenza is already circulating in the NT. Since the beginning of 2026, there have been more than 531 cases confirmed, mostly in the Top End, Katherine and East Arnhem regions. So far in 2026, there have been 166 reported hospitalisations in the NT due to influenza.
There were 5,487 cases of influenza recorded in the NT in 2025, and 1,367 reported hospitalisations. There were 3,302 cases in 2024, and 2,869 in 2023.
"Flu cases are on the rise in the Territory-getting vaccinated is your best protection against serious illness," Mr Edgington said.
The following people are more at risk of complications from influenza and are eligible to receive a free influenza vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP):
All children aged 6 months to under 5 yearsAll adults aged 65 years and overPregnant women at any stage of pregnancyAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and overPeople aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza.
Territorians who are not eligible to receive a free influenza vaccination can access the influenza vaccine from their GP, health clinic (including remote health clinics) and participating pharmacies.
Many workplaces provide influenza vaccines to employees at no cost.
Influenza is a very contagious illness that can make people quite sick, and it can affect anyone. It spreads easily from person to person, usually when someone coughs or sneezes.
You can help stop it spreading by staying home when you're sick, washing your hands often, and keeping your distance from others where possible.
Flu usually comes on quickly, with symptoms like fever, tiredness, headache, chills, sore throat, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose and sneezing.
Most people can look after themselves at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and pain. If you've got the flu, stay home until you're feeling better, or at least 24 hours after your fever has gone.
People who are concerned about their influenza symptoms should contact their pharmacy, GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
