New influenza virus strains in the 2019 influenza vaccines have been announced by the Chief Medical Officer from the Department of Health. 

The new A strain (H3N2) and new strain for the B Victoria linage have been included in the 2019 seasonal vaccines. 

Overall, the influenza virus strains included in the vaccines will be A (H1N1): an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09 like virus, A (H3N2): an A/Switzerland/8060/2017 (H3N2) like virus, B: a B/Colorado/06/2017 like virus (not included in the trivalent vaccine) and B: a B/Phuket/3073/2013 like virus. 

Over six million doses have been secured as free influenza vaccines under the Government’s National Immunisation Program. 

Through the program, people 65 year and over, pregnant women, those who suffer chronic conditions and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be eligible for the free flu shot.  

Those who are not eligible for the free flu shots are highly encouraged to purchase the vaccine in the private market to limit the spread of flu in the community. 

As most people develop immunity within two to three weeks of vaccination, experts have advised people to start vaccinating from mid-April 2019 to protect themselves from influenza which usually occurs from June, peaking in August.