Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). It affects people of all ages. The flu is usually spread by breathing in droplets from coughs and sneezes that contain the virus.

The flu is a seasonal infection that usually occurs from April to September. Flu seasons vary in severity and duration from year to year. In a year of high influenza activity, it is estimated that the flu can contribute to more than 3,300 deaths in Australia.

Free influenza vaccines offered by Council

Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:

• people aged six months to less than five years (can be given at the same time as childhood vaccines)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
• pregnant women (can be given at any stage of each pregnancy)
• people aged 65 years and older (a vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).
• people aged six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications.

Flu session dates

Bookings can now be made online for Flu only sessions via the Central Immunisation Records website

• 16 April 2024 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
• 23 April 2024 - 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• 17 May 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30 pm

For further influenza information please refer to influenza vaccines FAQs from www.ncirs.org.au