Flu season is knocking at the door in Australia, and the vaccines for 2025 are now available! Have you checked your inbox for messages from your GP or pharmacy? They’re letting you know those vital shots are ready!

2025 has already seen a concerning rise in flu cases compared to previous years, and the situation in northern hemisphere countries reveals intense flu outbreaks this winter, tragically leading to deaths among children. It's clear that this flu season could pack a punch, making vaccination more critical than ever.

Who Needs the Vaccine and When?

Flu vaccines are a must for everyone aged six months and up in Australia. While babies can’t receive the vaccine directly until they’re older, protecting them starts with mothers getting immunized during pregnancy.

Thanks to the National Immunisation Program, free vaccines are available for high-risk groups: seniors over 65, young children (six months to five years), pregnant women, and those with chronic health issues, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

For others, expect to pay around A$20–30 for a flu shot. These vaccines are easy to access—whether at your local GP, pharmacy, or through workplace programs.

Getting vaccinated can slash your risk of visiting the doctor due to flu by 30–60% and your chances of being hospitalized by 50–70%. But beware! The protective power of the vaccine diminishes over a few months, making it smart to get your shot sooner rather than later, especially since flu seasons have been unpredictable since the COVID pandemic.

Safety First!

Worried about safety? Regarded as safe, flu vaccines might cause a sore arm or mild fever, but serious side effects are rare—less common than complications from the flu itself.

Why Yearly Vaccination is Crucial?

Influenza is a crafty virus, constantly mutating which makes annual vaccinations necessary. Experts need to keep predicting which strains will circulate next season, so vaccines can be tailored accordingly. Each year, the World Health Organization coordinates two pivotal meetings to decide which strains to include in the upcoming vaccines.

While the current vaccines cover four influenza subtypes (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B Victoria, and B Yamagata), it’s worth noting that the B Yamagata strain may be dropped next year due to its decline during the pandemic.

What Vaccines Are Available?

When you go to get vaccinated, you’ll find an array of options. Innovative vaccines like Fluad Quad use an adjuvant to boost immune response, while Fluzone High-Dose provides a larger dose specifically recommended for older individuals who may have diminished immune responses.

Additionally, there are cell-based vaccines like Flucelvax Quad that skip the egg-growing process, aiming for better accuracy in matching circulating strains.

Future of Flu Vaccination Looks Bright!

Exciting developments are on the horizon for flu vaccines! Recombinant vaccines like Flublok use insect cells for production, while the success of mRNA technology with COVID-19 vaccines opens doors for swifter development of future flu vaccines.

Imagine having a single shot that shields you against both COVID and the flu—combination vaccines are already a topic of intense research!

Stay ahead of the game, get your flu vaccine, and keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this season!