2026 Flu Vaccines Now Available Ahead of Winter
02 Mar 2026
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has published its 2026 influenza vaccination guidance, reminding doctors that their recommendation remains the strongest influence on whether patients choose to get vaccinated.
Under advice from the National Immunisation Program (NIP), adults aged 65 years and over are recommended to receive either the adjuvanted vaccine Fluad or the high-dose vaccine Fluzone High-Dose, with both considered equally preferred over standard flu vaccines.
For people aged 5–64 years with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe flu, Flucelvax is funded under the NIP. There is no preferred choice between Flucelvax and standard egg-based vaccines, and flu shots can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
ATAGI recommends annual influenza vaccination from April 2026 when vaccines become available. Even patients who received a flu shot in late 2025 or early 2026 are advised to receive the 2026 vaccine. Vaccination should continue while flu viruses are circulating and doses remain available.
The updated factsheet also provides guidance for:
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Travellers
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Children aged six months to under five years
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Pregnant women
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
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Adults aged 65 and over
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Medically at-risk patients
Australian vaccine manufacturer CSL Seqirus has confirmed private market vaccines are now available to clinics and pharmacies. The company will supply both cell-based and adjuvanted vaccines for private use and under the NIP.
For the first time, needle-free flu vaccines for children will be available through state programs in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
The rollout comes as flu activity remains high. Australia recorded its highest flu case numbers in more than 25 years during 2025, and almost 19,000 cases have already been reported nationwide in 2026.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Michael Kidd, has written to GPs highlighting their key role in improving vaccination uptake. He stressed that keeping patients up to date with vaccines is essential to reducing preventable illness and easing pressure on the health system during winter.
Source: Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) 2026 Influenza Vaccination Advice