Flu Season 2026
Flu season is approaching, and the 2026 influenza vaccines are now available at Stirk Medical Group. Vaccinations are currently available for patients aged 65 and over, with broader availability from mid-April.
Getting vaccinated before winter is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the wider community from influenza and its complications.
Why Get Vaccinated This Year?
Flu cases surged across Australia in 2025, reaching the highest levels in more than 25 years. Annual vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and even death from influenza.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and over receive an influenza vaccine every year.
Even if you had a flu vaccine in late 2025 or early 2026, you should still receive the updated 2026 vaccine when it becomes available.
What's New for 2026?
- Trivalent vaccines — Influenza vaccines have transitioned from quadrivalent to trivalent formulations in line with World Health Organization guidance.
- Nasal spray vaccine for children — For the first time in Australia, an intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist®) is available for children aged 2–17 years. In Western Australia, this is free for children aged 2 to under 12 years through state programs.
- Enhanced vaccines for over 65s — Both the NIP-funded adjuvanted vaccine (Fluad®) and the private high-dose vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose®) are recommended over standard vaccines for adults aged 65 years and over.
Who Can Get a Free Flu Vaccine?
The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Chronic respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD)
- Immunocompromising conditions
- Diabetes and other chronic metabolic disorders
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic neurological conditions
WA State Funded Additional Free Vaccines
- Adults aged 12 to 64 years — Free vaccines available for those not eligible under the NIP. Available 1 May – 30 June 2026.
- Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine (FluMist®) — Free for children aged 2 to 11 years. Available mid-April – 31 July 2026.
Note: The nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for children with moderate or severe immune conditions. Your healthcare provider will confirm suitability.
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
ATAGI recommends getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available so you are protected before the peak flu season (typically June to September).
However, it's never too late — vaccination is beneficial for as long as influenza viruses are circulating.
Important Reminders
- Children under 2 years receiving the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses, given 4 weeks apart.
- Co-administration is safe — flu vaccines can be given at the same time as COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.
- Travelling overseas? Consider vaccination before departure for optimal protection.
Book Your Flu Vaccination
Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.
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