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Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious infection of the airways that can cause serious illness or even death, especially in babies, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect oneself and others from the disease. In Australia, influenza vaccines are typically given annually to protect against the most common strains of the virus, and are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. While some individuals may need to purchase the vaccine from a health professional or pharmacy, the vaccine is offered for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for those most at risk, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with specified medical conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for a free vaccine? | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, people aged 6 months to under 5 years, people aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with specified medical conditions |
| Who is the vaccine recommended for? | Everyone aged 6 months and over, especially babies, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions |
| Where can I get the vaccine? | Your health professional or pharmacy |
| How is the vaccine administered? | As a single vaccine that covers several strains of the flu virus, given as a needle, usually in the upper arm |
| How often should I get the vaccine? | Yearly |
| When should I get the vaccine? | Before the onset of the influenza season, ideally from April |
| How long does it take for the vaccine to be effective? | 10 to 14 days |
| Can I get the vaccine if I have a latex allergy? | Yes, the vaccines available under the NIP in 2025 are latex-free |
| Can I get the vaccine if I have an egg allergy? | Yes, unless you have reported a serious adverse reaction to influenza |
| Can I get the vaccine at the same time as other vaccines? | Yes, it can be co-administered with any COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines such as dTpa, RSV, pneumococcal, and pertussis |
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What You'll Learn
- The influenza vaccine is free for those aged 6 months to under 5 years
- It's also free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Pregnant women can get the vaccine for free
- People with specified medical conditions are eligible for a free vaccine
- The vaccine is not free for everyone, but it can be purchased from a health professional or pharmacy
The influenza vaccine is free for those aged 6 months to under 5 years
The influenza vaccine is available for free in Australia for those aged 6 months to under 5 years. This is because influenza can be a serious illness for young children, and vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect them. The vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for those who are most at risk, including children under 5.
In Australia, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over, and it is mandatory to record all influenza vaccinations given on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The vaccine is updated annually to address the most common circulating strains, and vaccination should ideally occur before the onset of each influenza season, which typically peaks in the cooler months between May and October.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends influenza vaccination for specific groups, and the vaccine is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older, as well as for those with certain medical conditions. In some states and territories, the vaccine may also be provided for free to other groups.
If you are not eligible for a free vaccine, you can purchase it from your health professional or pharmacy. It is important to note that the vaccine is not immediately effective, and it generally takes 10 to 14 days to be protected.
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It's also free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
The influenza vaccine is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over in Australia. This is because they are considered to be among the groups at higher risk of complications from influenza. Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the airways that can cause serious illness and even death. It is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and over get vaccinated against influenza annually, as the virus mutates every year. The vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to become effective, and it is recommended that people get vaccinated before the influenza season, which typically peaks in August.
The vaccine is also free under the National Immunisation Program for other groups at higher risk, including children aged 6 months to under 5 years, pregnant women, and people aged 65 and older. In addition, people with specified medical conditions that increase their risk of serious disease from influenza are also eligible for free vaccination. These include people with egg allergies, who can safely receive the vaccine unless they have reported a serious adverse reaction to a previous influenza vaccine.
In 2025, all Queenslanders aged 6 months and over are eligible for free influenza vaccination under the Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program. The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides information on vaccine dosage and administration, and it is important to consult a health professional to determine eligibility and the appropriate vaccine for one's age. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care provides resources for consumers and health professionals regarding influenza vaccination.
The influenza vaccine can be co-administered with other vaccines, including COVID-19, dTpa, RSV, pneumococcal, and childhood vaccines. All vaccinations must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), and it is mandatory to use the correct brand name, dose number, and batch number when reporting. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) provides recommendations and updates on vaccine administration and eligibility criteria.
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Pregnant women can get the vaccine for free
The influenza vaccine is recommended for all people aged six months and over in Australia. It is provided for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people most at risk, including pregnant women.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the influenza vaccine for specific groups. The vaccine is free under the NIP for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over. It is also free for people aged six months and older who have medical conditions that mean they are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill.
In addition to the influenza vaccine, pregnant women can also receive the maternal RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, for free under the NIP. This vaccine is available for women between 28 and 36 weeks into their pregnancy. The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women in their third trimester, usually at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine.
The flu season in Australia is expected to be severe in 2025, with an earlier-than-usual start. Doctors are urging Australians to get vaccinated as soon as possible, especially those in high-risk groups such as pregnant women.
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People with specified medical conditions are eligible for a free vaccine
The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people most at risk, including those with specified medical conditions. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends influenza vaccination for specific groups, and your health professional can advise if you have a specified medical risk condition.
The NIP provides free vaccines for eligible people aged 6 months to under 5 years, as well as those 5 years and older with certain medical conditions. These medical conditions are specified by health professionals and indicate a higher risk of contracting a serious illness from the influenza virus.
For those with specified medical conditions, the free vaccine is available to ensure protection against severe disease and complications from influenza. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is important to get vaccinated each year as the influenza virus is highly contagious and can circulate year-round.
In addition to those with specified medical conditions, the NIP also provides free vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older, pregnant women, and people aged 65 and older. It is important to note that the vaccine is not immediately effective, and it generally takes 10 to 14 days for protection to begin.
If you are not eligible for a free vaccine under the NIP, you can still purchase the vaccine from your health professional or pharmacy.
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The vaccine is not free for everyone, but it can be purchased from a health professional or pharmacy
The influenza vaccine is not free for everyone in Australia. The vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people most at risk, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years and older
- People aged 6 months or over with medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting seriously ill
- Children under 5 years old
If you are not eligible for a free vaccine, you can purchase one from a health professional or a pharmacy. The vaccine is given as a needle, usually in the upper arm. It is important to get the right vaccine for your age. Additionally, it is worth noting that the vaccine is not immediately effective, and it generally takes 10 to 14 days to be protected.
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Frequently asked questions
The influenza vaccine is free for some people in Australia under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This includes people most at risk, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older, pregnant women, people aged 65 years and older, and people with specified medical conditions.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends influenza vaccination for specific groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, people with specified medical conditions, and children under nine years old getting their influenza vaccination for the first time. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends influenza vaccination for all people aged 6 months and over.
You can get the influenza vaccine from your health professional or pharmacy. If you are eligible for a free vaccine, you can get it from a vaccination provider that participates in the National Immunisation Program.
