Vaccination is strongly recommended as the best way to prevent serious illness and reduce hospital visits during the colder season. The guide explains who should get vaccinated, when to do it, and where people can access vaccines.

Flu vaccine

Everyone aged six months and older is advised to get a flu vaccine every year.

The flu can range from mild illness to serious disease that may require hospital care. People at higher risk include babies, older adults, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions.

Vaccination helps reduce the chance of getting sick and lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. Studies show vaccinated people are far less likely to need GP visits or hospital care compared to those who are not vaccinated.

The flu vaccine is safe and widely used in Australia. Like all medicines, it can cause mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fever, tiredness, or muscle aches. These usually go away within a couple of days.

Health experts confirm that the flu vaccine does not cause the flu. These side effects are part of the body’s normal immune response.

Free flu vaccines are available for eligible groups including young children, pregnant women, older Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those with certain medical conditions.

Vaccines can be accessed through GP clinics, pharmacies, community health centres, Aboriginal health services, and local council clinics.

RSV vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common infection that affects the lungs and airways. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces.

Babies, young children, and older adults with chronic health conditions are most at risk of severe illness.

Vaccination is recommended for specific groups, including pregnant women, infants, older adults, and First Nations people with higher health risks.

A maternal vaccine is available for pregnant women to help protect newborn babies, and it is funded under the national program for eligible groups.

COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 continues to spread through close contact and respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.

People are encouraged to stay home if unwell and wear a mask if they need to go out.

Booster eligibility tools are available to help people check if they are due for an additional dose, and vaccines can be booked through local clinics and health services.

Winter health advice

Health officials also recommend simple steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illness, including good hand hygiene, avoiding crowded spaces, staying home when sick, and meeting outdoors when possible.

People with symptoms are advised to contact their GP, use telehealth where available, call healthdirect for advice, or visit urgent care clinics if needed.

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