Your guide to the annual flu shot

Influenza, or the flu, can affect people differently. For some, it may mean a few days in bed. For others, it can lead to serious illness or complications.

The annual flu shot is one of the simplest ways to help protect yourself and the people around you. Here’s what you should know about the flu, who’s most at risk, why vaccination matters and the everyday steps that can help reduce the spread.

What is the flu?

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads easily from person to person, especially through coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

There are different types and strains of influenza, which is one reason the flu vaccine is updated regularly and recommended each year.

What’s the difference between a cold and the flu?

Colds and the flu can share common symptoms, including coughing, headaches or sore throat, and both conditions are caused by viruses. However, when you have the flu, you’re more likely to experience body aches and pains, extreme exhaustion, a fever and vomiting or diarrhoea.

Healthdirect Australia has a handy infographic comparing the differences.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms can include:

• fever or chills
• dry, chesty cough
• headache
• tiredness
• aching muscles or joint pain
• sore throat and a runny or blocked nose
• loss of appetite and more. 

When to seek medical advice

If your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or you’re worried about yourself or someone in your care, speak to a GP, pharmacist or health professional. Seek urgent medical help if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration or symptoms that suddenly worsen.

Why the flu shot matters

Australian cases of the flu have remained high in recent years, rising from 365,589 in 2024 to a record-breaking 502,972 in 2025. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 1,701 flu-related deaths in 2025, the highest recorded this century.

While an annual flu shot can help reduce your risk of catching the flu and becoming seriously unwell, vaccination rates have been steadily declining, particularly among groups with an increased risk of complications. This includes babies and children younger than five, adults aged 65 and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women and people who have certain medical conditions.

In 2025, vaccination rates among children younger than five and adults 65 and older were the lowest they’d been in years.

Getting the flu shot

Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu. It also helps to protect those around you who are unable to get the vaccination (like babies younger than six months). When more people are vaccinated, it can help reduce the spread of flu in the community.

Who should get it?

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older.

When should I get it?

Flu season in Australia usually runs from June to September. The best time to get vaccinated is from April onwards, so that your body has time to develop immunity. But it’s never too late. In fact, last year’s flu season extended into the summer.

Where can I get it?

Flu vaccines are generally available through GPs, pharmacies, community health centres and some workplace vaccination programs.

Is it free?

Some people can receive a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program Schedule, although consultation fees may apply.

Other ways to help prevent the spread

Practising good hygiene

Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. You should do this after touching anything that might contaminate your hands and before touching food or anything that needs to stay clean.

An alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitiser) is a good way to clean your hands if you don’t have access to soap and water.

Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Put the tissues into the bin immediately.

Avoid sharing cups, plates, cutlery or towels.

Regular cleaning

Keep commonly used surfaces clean, such as your keyboard, phone and door handles.

Supporting your immune system

Getting enough sleep, eating nutrient-rich foods, staying active and managing stress can all help support your overall health and immune system.

Staying at home if you’re sick

If you have the flu, it’s best to avoid close contact with people to stop them from also becoming sick. This is especially important if they have a compromised immune system.

One small step

The flu shot is a simple step that can help reduce your risk of serious illness and protect people in your community who may be more vulnerable. If you’re unsure whether the flu vaccine is right for you or your family, speak to your GP, pharmacist or healthcare professional.

_{All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.}

Sources

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_{https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2025-media-releases/october-2025/australia-posts-record-breaking-flu-numbers-as-vac}

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_{https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flu#season}

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