Flu Season 2026
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National Immunisation Program
Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
About influenza
Influenza (the flu) is a common viral infection that affects people of all ages.
While it may be a mild disease for some, it can also cause serious sickness and may even lead to hospitalisation, even in healthy people.
Getting an Influenza vaccine every year from a health professional, is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and others from influenza.
About the influenza vaccines
The flu changes every year, so the Influenza vaccine changes too. This is why you need an Influenza vaccine each year. The type of vaccine you get depends on your age and health, and your health professional will tell you which one is right for you or your child.
Australia uses different types of Influenza vaccines that all work well and are latex-free. Both egg-based and cell-based vaccines (for people aged 5 to 64 years) are available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
A nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2 to 17 years will also be available through some state or territory programs or by private prescription.
Influenza vaccine safety
The influenza vaccine has been around for many decades and has a strong safety record.
Common side effects from the vaccine include mild pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given. These side effects usually last for a few days and go away without any treatment.
Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, are rare.
Influenza vaccines given as an injection do not contain live flu virus, so they cannot give you the flu. The nasal spray flu vaccine is a live vaccine, so it is not recommended for some people with certain medical conditions.
People with an egg allergy, including those who have had anaphylaxis, can safely receive all Influenza vaccines, but it is a good idea to talk to your health professional if you have concerns.
Who should receive the influenza vaccine
Everyone 6 months and over is recommended to get an influenza vaccine each year. The flu vaccine protects you, but it also can help protect those around you.
Children under 5 years
Babies and children under 5 years old have a higher risk of complications from influenza and can lead to hospitalisation. Even healthy children can become very unwell with the flu.
Your child can get their Influenza vaccine at the same appointment as their routine childhood vaccines, or at a separate visit.
Children under 2 years who are getting the Influenza vaccine for the first time need 2 doses, given 4 weeks apart, to help build a stronger immune response.
Pregnant women
Influenza can be more serious for pregnant women and their babies. The Influenza vaccine is recommended and free in every pregnancy, and it is safe to have at any stage of pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, changes to the immune system, heart and lungs can make women more likely to get very sick from Influenza.
Getting vaccinated also protects your baby, as protective antibodies pass through the placenta and help keep them safe in the first few months of life.
If you had last year's Influenza vaccine early in your pregnancy, or before you became pregnant, you should still get the current Influenza vaccine before your baby is born.
The Influenza vaccine can be safely given at the same time as pertussis (whooping cough), RSV and COVID-19 vaccines if recommended by your health professional. Pregnant women should receive the inactivated flu vaccine (the standard injection), rather than the nasal spray version.
People with certain medical conditions
The influenza vaccine is free for people 6 months and over with the following conditions:
• cardiac disease
• chronic respiratory condition
• immunocompromising condition
• haematological disorder
• chronic metabolic disorder
• chronic kidney disease
• chronic neurological condition
• long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years.
Talk to your health professional about your medical history and eligibility.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at higher risk of getting really sick and going to hospital from influenza.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over can get the influenza vaccine for free every year.
People aged 65 years and over
Influenza can be especially serious for people aged 65 years and over, so getting vaccinated every year is very important.
All adults in this age group can get a free Influenza vaccine that is specially designed to give a stronger immune response and better protection.
Flu vaccines can also be safely given at the same visit as COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines and the shingles vaccine.
When to get your influenza vaccine
You should get vaccinated each year from when the vaccine is available in March or April to be protected before the influenza season. In most parts of Australia, the peak flu season is from June to September. It is never too late to get the Influenza vaccine, because flu can spread at any time of the year.
If you had last season's Influenza vaccine late last year or early this year, you should still get the new season's vaccine when it becomes available.
Australian Immunisation Register
Your health professional is required to report all influenza vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register to ensure your records are accurate and complete.
State and territory health department contact numbers:
ACT 02 5124 9800
SA 1300 232 272
NSW 1300 066 055 TAS 1800 671 738
WA 08 9321 1312 QLD Contact your local Public Health Unit
All information in this fact sheet is correct as of February 2026
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