/ Aged Care

Influenza (flu) Vaccine For 2023

Yearly influenza vaccines are recommended for all Australians over the age of 6 months. Several groups are at particular risk for complications and severe symptoms with influenza and for them the influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program. These groups include:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isalander people aged 6 months and over
  • Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
  • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
  • People aged 65 years and over
  • People who have medical conditions that include:
    cardiac disease
    chronic neurological conditions
    immunocompromising conditions
    diabetes and other metabolic disorders
    renal disease
    haematological disorders
    children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy

You can chat to your medical provider about any concerns you may have about receiving the flu vaccination, any medical conditions you may have and about your individual medical risks if you should contract the flu.

What is influenza?

Influenza is a viral illness that can affect people of all ages. For some people, it can be a mild disease but for others it can cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people. It can lead to hospitalisation and even death. Vaccination is the safest way to protect yourself and others from influenza.

When should you get the influenza vaccine?

New season influenza vaccines are available from April, however timing may differ between areas. Annual influenza vaccine should occur any time from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September. Health advice is that it is never too late to vaccinate as flu can circulate in the community all year round.

Influenza vaccines can also be given on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine.

Where can you get vaccinated?

Influenza vaccines can be accessed by a range of providers.
You can click here to learn more about accessing the vaccine.

You can learn more about the influenza vaccine by clicking here.

To find aged care services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers

To find disability support services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers

To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer

To make a referral, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/referrals