Improved flu vaccines with better protection will be made freely available for Australians aged 65 and over. 

In addition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people suffering from chronic conditions will also be covered with a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program. 

“The World Health Organisation advises this year’s flu vaccine will be a better match to the circulating strains and offer higher protection than last year,” NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said. 

The 2018 Flu Vaccine will include protection against influenza strains of A (H1NI): an A/Michigan/45/2015(H1N1) pdm09 like virus, A (H3N2): an A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016(H3N2) like virus, B: a B/Phuket/3073/2013 like virus, and B: a B/Brisbane/60/2008 like virus. 

Influenza A (H3n2) has been confirmed as the “worst kind” of flu, according to the Immunisation Coalition. 

“The best time to have the flu is in April or May to ensure your protection doesn’t wane before the flu season peaks. The vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective,” Dr Sheppeard said. 

2017 saw the highest level of influenza activity in Australia, with a record of more than 250,000 Australians with influenza, and 1100 influenza-associated deaths. 

However, around 56 per cent of Australians are not vaccinated every year. 

“I urge all Australians to consider getting a flu shot this year. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for any person six months of age and older, with vaccines also available on the private market,” Minister for Health Greg Hunt said.