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Flu vaccination 2024

Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. It is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over.


Eligibility for free influenza vaccine


Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:

  • all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over

  • all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age

  • all individuals aged 5 years and over with medical risk conditions, namely:

  • cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure

  • chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma (for which frequent medical consultations or the use of multiple medications is required), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and chronic emphysema

  • chronic neurological conditions, including hereditary and degenerative central nervous system (CNS) diseases (including multiple sclerosis), neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injuries and seizure disorders

  • immunocompromising conditions, including immunocompromised due to disease or treatment (e.g. malignancy, transplantation and/or chronic steroid use), asplenia or splenic dysfunction and HIV infection

  • diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and chronic metabolic disorders

  • chronic renal failure

  • haemoglobinopathies

  • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy

  • pregnant women (influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)

  • people aged 65 years and over (a vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).

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