FLU VACCINE INFORMATION 2026
Flu vaccines are in stock. Please book in to a flu vaccine clinic to have yours administered.
We recommend vaccines to everyone that wants one, particularly the higher risk groups below. You may also wish to have a Covid vaccine booster at the same time.
How to book a Flu vaccine appointment
Please give us a call! You can book straight in to see the nurse for your flu vaccine.
Free seasonal flu vaccines are funded for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:
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- all people aged 65 years and over
- all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age
- all pregnant women (influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- all individuals aged 5 years and over with medical risk conditions, namely:
- cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
- chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma
- other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, and haemoglobinopathies
- chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders
- impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use
Flu vaccines are still important
Our doctors recommend that everyone consider a flu vaccine to protect yourself from what can be a serious illness.
| Category | In stock? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aged 65 and over | YES | Govt funded |
| Aged under 5 | YES | Govt funded |
| Aged 5-65 with a chronic condition | YES | Govt funded |
| Aged 5-65 with no medical condition | YES | $27.50 |
| OPTIONAL more potent vaccine for 50-64 yr olds | NO | script to pharmacy |
| OPTIONAL nasal FluMist for 2-17 yr olds | YES | $56 |
Key Summary Information For 2026
- Have your flu vaccine when it becomes available. We can’t predict when there will be an outbreak.
- Over 65s receive a different formulation, to promote a stronger immune response in the body. People aged 50-64 may also choose to have the more potent vaccine (for an extra cost) if they choose.
- Young children should be vaccinated. There is a strong push to ensure as many children as possible receive their vaccine, and the government funds vaccines for those aged 6 months to 5 years.
- The nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) is available for children aged 2-17 inclusive. It is a little more expensive ($56 incl GST).
- Pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those with chronic conditions remain a high priority for vaccination. Vaccinating yourself during pregnancy also protects your baby when it is born.
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While you are having your flu vaccine, ask your clinician if you also need a pneumococcal vaccination. All people aged 70 or over are eligible for a newer 13-valent vaccine even if they have already had the 23 valent doses in the past. Pneumococcal, flu and covid vaccines can be given on the same day.
- From late May 2026, RSV (respiratory syncitial virus) vaccines will also be government-funded for people 75 and over. Our nurses can help arrange an appointment when stock is available.