WANT to get prepared for the flu season? Don't roll up your sleeves just yet if you're over 65.
This year, people aged 65 and over will be provided with one of two free enhanced vaccines: a high-dose version with four times the dose, and an adjuvanted version with an additional ingredient to boost its effectiveness.
The Immunisation Coalition says that compared to the standard flu vaccine both new vaccines have been shown to better stimulate the immune system of older people to make protective antibodies.
These vaccines will be only available from GPs for people aged 65 and over.
The new vaccines will be available from April. They will not be available on the private market.
The coalition says it is important to understand that all influenza vaccines available in Australia have been updated to match the circulating virus strains in the southern hemisphere and should give better protection than last year to most people, but they are not the vaccine of choice for people 65 and over.
Meanwhile, the coalition recommends everyone older than six months to be vaccinated against the flu.
"If you are young, fit and healthy, having a flu shot will not only protect yourself but people around you - babies, immune compromised people and the elderly," said coalition chairman Paul Van Buynder.
"Vulnerable people need protection from herd immunity."
- To find out more flusmart.org.au/flutest