You can protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated against the flu. Influenza, more commonly known as ‘the flu’, can cause serious illness and spreads very easily and quickly between people.
Those who are aged 65 years and older or those who suffer from cardiac disease, diabetes, chronic kidney or lung disease, or other respiratory conditions are eligible to receive a free flu vaccination.
In 2023 South Australia recorded 1,643 hospitalisations from flu, which is up 35% from the previous year. Seniors have a higher risk of hospitalisation from the flu than other cohorts, so it is recommended that you get vaccinated.
The best time to get vaccinated is now, to have protection during the seasonal peak from June to September.
The vaccine is updated each year to protect against the new strains of the flu virus. That’s why getting vaccinated each year is important.
Free flu vaccinations are also available to other high-risk people in South Australia, including:
- pregnant people
- people six months of age or older with underlying chronic medical conditions
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
- all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- people experiencing homelessness.
The free flu vaccine is available through participating GPs and pharmacies, local councils, community health centres and Aboriginal health centres.
For more information visit www.flu.sa.gov.au.