What you need to know about flu shots
Getting a flu shot may help ensure you're not one of the many thousands of people laid low by influenza this year.
Worse than the sniffles
No one enjoys being knocked out with the flu, but for some people the symptoms can be far worse than a few miserable days in bed.
In 2017, around 250,000 confirmed cases were officially reported, with 29,000 hospitalisations. It's estimated that as many as 4000 Australians died, mostly people over 65.
While this year's flu season isn't expected to be as bad as 2017, health authorities are encouraging as many people as possible to get vaccinated.
Flu shots at a glance
- Flu viruses are constantly mutating, so the flu vaccine changes every year to keep up with the most common strains.
- Getting an annual flu shot is the single most important and effective measure in preventing the illness.
- The vaccine isn't 100% effective, but if you do get the flu, being vaccinated should help reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Vaccination also helps prevent its spread through the community – the more people who are vaccinated, the better.
- The protection develops two weeks after getting the injection and lasts several months.
- The ideal time to get a flu shot is late April to early May.
- People aged 65 and over, Indigenous Australians, people with certain medical conditions and pregnant women can get a free flu vaccine.
- Enhanced vaccines that provide better protection are available for people 65 and over.
FAQs
More information
- Visit the Department of Health influenza web page to learn more about the flu and vaccination.
- For more technical information, see the Australian Immunisation Handbook section on influenza.