If you’re aged 65 or over, you can now get a free flu vaccine through the National Immunisation Program – and experts say it’s more important than ever.
The vaccine, called Flucelvax Quad, protects against multiple strains of influenza and is given as a simple injection, usually in the upper arm. It’s also safe to receive on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine, with no need to delay after recovering from a COVID infection.
With flu season arriving earlier than usual in 2025 and cases already rising across Australia, health authorities are urging older Australians to get protected.
“We can’t yet predict how severe the season will be,” said Professor Patrick Reading from the Doherty Institute. “But we know it’s being influenced by increased international travel and lower vaccination rates.”
While the severity of Australia’s flu season will depend on which strain becomes dominant, recent updates to the vaccine aim to better protect against the H3N2 strain, which caused a tough flu season in the U.S.
Professor Reading noted that countries like the U.S. saw high case numbers driven by H3N2, while Europe and China had milder seasons dominated by H1N1. The updated Southern Hemisphere vaccine is designed to match these circulating viruses more effectively.
Where to get it:
Contact your GP or local vaccination provider to book an appointment. The flu vaccine is free for all people aged 65 and over, so don’t wait – get vaccinated and stay protected this winter.