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Influenza is a serious illness, not a bad cold — and it can be life-threatening for older Australians and people with disability. Annual flu vaccination is the most effective protection available and is free under the National Immunisation Program for eligible Australians, including adults 65+, people with qualifying medical conditions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The best time to get vaccinated is April to May, before the season peaks. Just Better Care support workers can help participants access vaccination through transport, appointment support and GP coordination.

Flu season is here, and this year we want to make sure the people who matter most to us are protected. For older Australians and people living with disability, influenza is far more serious than a common cold. It can lead to hospitalisation, pneumonia and in some cases can be life-threatening. Each year in Australia, flu claims thousands of lives, with the vast majority aged 65 and over, yet vaccination rates in high-risk groups remain lower than they should be. In this article, we explain who is most at risk, how the flu vaccine works, who qualifies for a free shot under Australia's National Immunisation Program, and how Just Better Care can help participants stay protected and well at home this flu season.

What is influenza, and why isn't it just a bad cold?

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. While many people recover within a week or two, influenza is not the same as a common cold. It strikes harder and faster, and for vulnerable Australians it can quickly become serious.

Common symptoms include sudden-onset fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose and a dry persistent cough. In high-risk groups, influenza can progress to pneumonia, sepsis and cardiac complications, all of which may require hospitalisation or intensive care.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), influenza and pneumonia are consistently among the leading causes of potentially preventable hospitalisations in Australia. In recent years, flu has accounted for thousands of hospital admissions, the majority in people aged 65 and over.

Over 3,000 deaths

attributed to influenza and pneumonia in a recent reporting year in Australia

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Causes of Death Australia

Who is most at risk from influenza in Australia?

Not everyone who gets the flu will face serious consequences, but certain groups are at significantly elevated risk. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care identifies the following groups as high priority for annual influenza vaccination.

High-risk groups for influenza complications

Adults aged 65 and over

The immune system weakens with age, making it harder to fight off infection. Older adults account for the vast majority of flu-related hospitalisations and deaths in Australia.

People with disability

Many disabilities, including respiratory conditions, cardiac disease and neurological impairments, significantly increase the severity of flu complications.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Indigenous Australians of all ages face greater risk due to higher rates of underlying chronic conditions. Free vaccination is available from 6 months of age.

Pregnant women

Pregnancy increases the risk of severe flu. Vaccination also offers early protection to newborns, who cannot be vaccinated until six months of age.

People with chronic health conditions

Those with heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney disease or immunocompromising conditions face a much greater risk of severe flu and its complications.

How does the flu vaccine work?

The flu vaccine works by prompting your immune system to produce antibodies against the influenza viruses most likely to circulate that year. Because influenza viruses mutate rapidly, the vaccine formulation is updated annually, which is why vaccination every year is essential even if you were vaccinated last year.

It is important to note that the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It contains either inactivated (killed) virus or a protein component, neither of which can cause infection. Some people experience mild arm soreness or a low-grade temperature for a day or two after vaccination. This is a normal immune response and not the flu.

When should I get vaccinated in 2026?

The vaccine typically takes around two weeks to reach full effectiveness. Health authorities recommend getting vaccinated before the flu season peaks, generally April to May in Australia. That said, a later flu shot is always better than no flu shot at all.

ATAGI guidance

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises that flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit. Speak with your GP or pharmacist if you are due for both.

National Immunisation Program, Department of Health and Aged Care

Free Flu Vaccination: who is eligible under the National Immunisation Program?

Australia's National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free annual influenza vaccination to people at greatest risk. 

As of 2026, the following groups are eligible for a free flu shot through the NIP:

  • All adults aged 65 years and over
  • All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
  • Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
  • People with medical conditions that increase the risk of flu complications, including cardiac disease, chronic respiratory conditions (including severe asthma), diabetes, renal disease and immunocompromising conditions

People living with disability who have one or more qualifying medical conditions are eligible for a free NIP flu vaccine. 

Those without a qualifying medical condition may still access affordable vaccination through their GP, local pharmacy or community health centre.

Flu vaccination for NDIS participants and aged care recipients

For Australians receiving support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or aged care services, staying on top of preventive health, like flu vaccination, is an important part of staying well and maintaining independence at home.

NDIS participants

The NDIS does not fund general health care, including routine vaccinations, as this falls under the Medicare system. 

However, your NDIS support worker can assist with transport to a vaccination appointment, accompany you when you attend, or help you arrange a home-visit vaccination with your GP if leaving home is difficult.

Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programme recipients

If you receive aged care services at home, Just Better Care can help coordinate access to vaccination through your GP or community health service. 

Annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for all aged care recipients. Speak with your local Just Better Care office to talk about options for getting your flu shot this year.

My Aged Care, Health and Wellbeing

Thinking about aged care support at home?

Understanding the Support at Home Program

Practical steps to protect yourself this flu season

Beyond vaccination, good everyday habits can make a real difference in reducing your risk of catching or spreading the flu in 2026.

Good hygiene practices that reduce flu transmission


Wash your hands regularly

Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after coughing, sneezing or being in public spaces.


Cover coughs and sneezes

Use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands straight after.


Stay home when you are unwell

Avoid close contact with older adults and people with chronic health conditions if you have flu-like symptoms.


Keep your home well ventilated

Opening windows and improving airflow helps reduce the concentration of airborne respiratory viruses indoors.


See your GP early if symptoms develop

Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can reduce the severity and duration of flu if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. Contact your GP early if you are in a high-risk group.


Keep your other vaccines up to date

The pneumococcal vaccine (free for adults 65+) and COVID-19 boosters also protect against serious respiratory illness and are recommended alongside your annual flu vaccination.

How does Just Better Care support participants during flu season?

We know that getting to a GP or pharmacy is not always easy for older Australians or people living with disability. Our support workers play an active role in helping participants stay on top of their health during flu season.

Our team can help with transport to and from vaccination appointments, accompanying participants to their visit, contacting a GP to arrange home-visit vaccination, monitoring for signs of illness, supporting good hygiene routines at home, and updating care plans with your coordinator.

Read more about in-home support for older Australians

Questions families ask about in-home aged care

Ready to get support at home this flu season?

Just Better Care provides personalised in-home support to older Australians and people with disability across Australia. Our local teams can help you stay well, connected and independent at home.

 Get started with Just Better Care 

Flu Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?

No. The flu vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause influenza. Some people experience mild side effects such as arm soreness, a slight temperature or fatigue for a day or two after vaccination. These are normal immune responses and not the flu.

Is the flu vaccine free for people with disability in Australia?

People with disability who have a qualifying medical condition, such as heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, diabetes or an immunocompromising condition, are eligible for a free flu vaccine under Australia's National Immunisation Program. Those without a qualifying medical condition can still access vaccination at low cost through their GP or community pharmacy.

National Immunisation Program, Department of Health and Aged Care

When should I get my flu vaccine in Australia?

The optimal time is April to May, before the flu season peaks between June and September. The vaccine takes about two weeks to reach full effectiveness. A later flu shot is still beneficial and always better than no vaccination at all.

Do I need a flu shot every year?

Yes. The influenza virus mutates annually and the vaccine is reformulated each year to match the strains expected to circulate. Last year's vaccine may not protect against this year's flu, so annual vaccination is recommended for all eligible Australians.

Can I get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes. ATAGI advises that flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit. Speak with your GP or pharmacist about co-administration if you are due for both.

Can I get a flu vaccination at home?

If you have difficulty leaving your home, many GPs offer home-visit vaccination services. Your Just Better Care support worker can help you contact your GP to arrange this, or assist with transport to your nearest GP or pharmacy if you prefer to attend in person.

Get started with Just Better Care

What if I have an egg allergy?

Most flu vaccines are grown in eggs and contain trace amounts of egg protein. People with mild egg allergy can generally receive the standard flu vaccine. Those with a history of anaphylaxis to egg should speak with their doctor, as egg-free alternatives are available in Australia.

Where can I find a vaccination provider near me?

Flu vaccines are available from GPs, community pharmacies and community health centres across Australia. Your GP or pharmacist can advise on eligibility, the right vaccine for your situation and how to book an appointment.

Find vaccination information, Department of Health and Aged Care