STRONGER flu jabs will be made available to millions of over-65s from April, following a "horror flu season" last year.
Older Australians will be given free 'enhanced' flu vaccinations by the federal government in an effort to prevent another deadly outbreak.
More than 1100 people across the country died from the flu in 2017, with most of them over the age of 65.
This has prompted the government to make free flu shots available to the age group.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government and Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy have been "working behind the scenes" for months to fast track two new vaccines "as a direct response to last year's horrific flu season which had a devastating impact around the world".
The $31million program will deliver the two vaccines Fluad and Fluzone High Dose from April and will be available through the National Immunisation Program.
These new three-strain jabs have been specifically made for the elderly, as their immune systems respond less effectively to vaccines.
They work in over 65s by generating a strong immune response and are more effective in preventing influenza in this age group.
"We will be making it available free of charge to everybody over the age of 65 because sadly that's where 95 per cent of those who lost their lives are from in terms of age," Mr Hunt told the Nine Network.
Mr Hunt encouraged all Australians over six months to get a flu vaccination this year, before the peak season starts in June.
