All you need to know about flu season, free vaccines and staying healthy

Flu season is generally from May to October. But in the first quarter of 2024, there were 26,836 influenza cases reported by the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). By February, case numbers were double those reported for the same time in 2023.

There are concerns that people might not get a flu vaccination because they're tired of getting vaccinated (particularly for COVID), and so few flu cases during the pandemic because nobody was moving around. But now that national and international travel has resumed, flu cases are back - and early.

Dr Julianne Bayliss is vaccines medical director at CSL Seqirus, which makes a number of vaccines on this year's National Immunisation Program (NIP) list.

She said a part of the reason there are so many flu cases this year is because of increased travel post-pandemic with open borders nationally and internationally.

"We know that each year flu cases come into the country from people travelling overseas and then returning to us," she said.

"Flu circulates readily in a mobile community, and that is what we have right now."

According to the NIP, while the flu can be mild in some people, it can lead to serious illness and even hospitalisation for others, including people who are usually healthy.

Flu strains can change yearly, which is why there are different versions of flu shots each year. That's why it is important to get vaccinated every year.

Government data shows in 2023, there were about 300,000 influenza cases, 3696 hospitalisations and at least 376 flu-related deaths reported across Australia.

Yet in 2023, only about 25 per cent of the population aged five to 64 years were vaccinated against influenza, prompting concern from infectious diseases expert, Professor Robert Booy.

"With coverage like that, there's certainly a strong chance that many vulnerable Australians are not getting vaccinated against influenza," he said.

Nationally, Australians aged 65 and over are eligible for a free influenza vaccine, as are people:

Different states and territories may offer free vaccines to other groups or different arrangements. For example, all Queensland residents aged six months and over can get a free vaccines until September 30, while Western Australian residents of the same ages can enjoy the same benefit during May and June.

Pharmacy Guild national president Professor Trent Twomey said people should get vaccinated ahead of the flu season to protect themselves and their loved ones from getting sick.

He said although the vaccine will last throughout the year, it is most effective in the first three to four months following its administration.

According to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), people who received an influenza vaccine in late 2023 are still recommended to get the flu vaccine in 2024.

You can get your flu shot at participating pharmacies, your GP, community health centres, Aboriginal health services and in some instances, local council immunisation clinics.

Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider about making a booking.

There are eight seasonal influenza vaccines registered and available for use in Australia in 2024, four of which are on the NIP, which are:

Speak with your provider about which version is best for you.

Flucelvax QUAD is a new vaccine in 2024, made by CSL Seqirus. Dr Bayliss said cell culture is used instead of using chicken eggs to grow the viruses made for the vaccines. This allows manufacturers to make a vaccine that "matches" the strains to those chosen by the World Health Organisation for inclusion in the vaccines. This matching ability is one of the factors that can impact a vaccine's effectiveness.

Dr Bayliss said those aged 65 and older have a different vaccine available to them because changes in their immune system might make them not respond as well to standard vaccines.

"For the older adults, we look to provide advanced vaccines that gives them a better chance of mounting a really robust response to vaccination," she said.

The best methods for avoiding illness include staying at home if you're feeling unwell, keep washing your hands and maintain good hygiene, wear masks and get vaccinated.

ATAGI also advises that flu vaccines can be given on the same day as other vaccines, such as COVID.