In short: The flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone aged 6 months and over. It is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for groups at higher risk — including young children, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and anyone with certain medical conditions. The best time to get it is in autumn or early winter, before influenza activity peaks. Current as at June 2026.
Why Get a Flu Vaccination Each Year?
Influenza ("the flu") is a contagious viral infection that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and fatigue. For most healthy people it is unpleasant but short-lived. For others — including the very young, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions — it can lead to serious illness, hospitalisation, or complications such as pneumonia.
Two things make annual vaccination important. First, the influenza viruses change over time, so the vaccine is updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate. Second, the protection you build up gradually fades, so last year's vaccination may not protect you well this year. Having the vaccine each year gives you the best available protection for the current season.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. While anyone can choose to be vaccinated (your GP or pharmacist can advise on private cost if you are not eligible for a free vaccine), it is especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness.
Who Can Get a Free Flu Vaccine Under the NIP?
The seasonal influenza vaccine is funded free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- People aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza — such as heart disease, chronic lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, and conditions that weaken the immune system
Some states and territories fund free flu vaccines for additional groups in some years. If you are not sure whether you are eligible, our GPs can check for you.
When Is the Best Time to Get Vaccinated?
In Australia, influenza usually circulates most over the winter months, often peaking between June and September. It takes around two weeks after vaccination for your body to build up protection, so having your vaccine in autumn or early winter means you are protected before the season peaks.
That said, it is never too late to benefit while the virus is still circulating. If you miss the early-season window, getting vaccinated later in winter is still worthwhile.
What to Expect When You Have the Flu Shot
The flu vaccine is given as a quick injection, usually in the upper arm. Most people have no trouble at all. Common, mild and short-lived reactions can include:
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the needle went in
- Low-grade fever
- Tiredness or muscle aches for a day or two
These reactions are a normal sign your immune system is responding and usually settle on their own. The flu vaccine cannot give you influenza, because it does not contain live virus that can multiply. If you feel unwell after a vaccine and are worried, speak with your GP.
Can I Have the Flu Vaccine With Other Vaccines?
In many cases, yes. The flu vaccine can usually be given at the same visit as other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. Your GP or nurse will confirm what is appropriate for you and your family on the day.
Flu Vaccination at Our Truganina Clinic
Our team at Reliance Medical Centre offers seasonal influenza vaccination for adults and children, and can advise whether you are eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. We can also review your other vaccinations and immunisations at the same visit and update your records.
To book your flu vaccination, book online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get the flu vaccine in Australia?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. It is free under the National Immunisation Program for people at higher risk, including children aged 6 months to under 5 years, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions. Others can still choose to be vaccinated, usually for a small fee.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
Autumn or early winter is generally the best time, so you are protected before influenza activity peaks, which is often between June and September. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to build protection. If you miss the early window, it is still worth being vaccinated later in the season while the virus is circulating.
Is the flu vaccine free in 2026?
The flu vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, including young children, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions. If you are not in an eligible group, you can still be vaccinated, usually for a fee. Our GPs can check your eligibility.
Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?
No. The flu vaccines used in Australia do not contain live virus that can multiply, so they cannot give you influenza. Some people have mild, short-lived effects such as a sore arm, low-grade fever or tiredness for a day or two, which are signs the immune system is responding.
Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
In many cases the flu vaccine can be given at the same visit as a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. Your GP or nurse will confirm what is suitable for you on the day, taking into account your age, health and vaccination history.
How often do I need a flu vaccination?
You need a flu vaccination every year. The influenza viruses change over time, so the vaccine is updated each year, and the protection from your previous vaccination gradually fades. Annual vaccination gives you the best available protection for the current season.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Influenza (flu) vaccine
- The Australian Immunisation Handbook — Influenza (flu)
- Healthdirect Australia — Flu (influenza)
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Eligibility for free vaccines and recommendations can change each year and differ from person to person. For advice about your situation, please consult your GP.
