Influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone from 6 months of age because influenza can cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people. It can require hospitalisation and can cause death.
Influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people who are 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
For more information visit Better Health Channel - Influenza (Flu) Immunisation see the link below or speak to your doctor.