The flu vaccine in Australia is recommended under ATAGI guidelines to reduce seasonal influenza risk across all age groups.
Flu season is approaching, and the best time to get vaccinated is before it arrives. The flu vaccine in Australia is widely used as a seasonal preventive measure to reduce the risk of influenza infection and complications.
The influenza virus spreads quickly each winter, causing symptoms that can range from a few miserable days in bed to serious complications requiring hospitalisation. The good news is that the 2026 flu vaccine is now available, and many Australians can access it for free.
Whether you’re booking for yourself, your children, or an older family member, here’s what you need to know.
The flu vaccine in Australia is recommended every year for everyone aged 6 months and older, unless a particular vaccine is unsuitable for them. Annual vaccination helps reduce the risk of influenza and its complications, and eligible groups can receive funded vaccines through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The right vaccine depends on age, health, eligibility and clinical advice.
If you are looking for a flu vaccine in Mornington, The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic provides influenza vaccination services. Contact the clinic to confirm current vaccine availability, eligibility, fees and appointment options.
Key Takeaways
- Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for people aged 6 months and older, subject to individual suitability.
- NIP-funded flu vaccines are available to eligible groups, including young children, pregnant people, adults aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions.
- The 2026 Australian flu vaccine formulation is trivalent, covering three influenza strains.
- FluMist is a nasal spray option registered for children and adolescents aged 2 to under 18 years, but it is not suitable for everyone.
- If you are booking in Mornington, confirm the vaccine type, availability and any fees with the clinic.
How Does the Flu Vaccine in Australia Work?
The flu vaccine helps the immune system recognise influenza viruses and reduces the risk of illness and complications. Australian seasonal influenza vaccines are reviewed and updated to target strains expected to circulate, which is why vaccination is recommended each year rather than relying on a previous dose.
Protection takes time to develop, and vaccination does not guarantee that you will avoid influenza. However, it can reduce the risk of severe illness, particularly for people who are more vulnerable to complications.
For current recommendations, see the Australian Government’s influenza vaccine guidance.
What Has Changed for the 2026 Flu Vaccine in Australia?
The 2026 seasonal influenza vaccines used in Australia are trivalent, meaning they target three influenza strains: two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain. The B/Yamagata component has been removed from the seasonal formulation because this strain has not been detected in circulation since 2020.
A nasal spray vaccine called FluMist also became available in Australia in 2026. It is registered for children and adolescents aged 2 to under 18 years, but its availability depends on the provider and applicable funding arrangements.
FluMist is a live attenuated nasal vaccine, unlike the inactivated injectable flu vaccines. It is not suitable for everyone, so a healthcare professional should assess whether it is appropriate for the child or adolescent.
Important: Do not assume that every clinic stocks FluMist or that it is funded in every state. Contact your provider to check availability and suitability before booking.
For details, consult the TGA’s 2026 seasonal influenza vaccine information and the Australian Immunisation Handbook’s FluMist guidance.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine in Australia?
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, unless there is a medical reason a particular vaccine should not be used. It is especially important for groups at increased risk of severe influenza, who may be eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.
The groups eligible for NIP-funded influenza vaccination in 2026 include:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
- Pregnant people at any stage of pregnancy.
- Adults aged 65 years and older.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older.
- People aged 6 months and older with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of severe influenza.
Relevant medical conditions include some cardiac, respiratory, immune, metabolic, kidney and neurological conditions. Eligibility depends on the specific condition and current program criteria, so ask your GP or immunisation provider to confirm whether you qualify.
For the complete criteria, refer to the Australian Government’s influenza vaccine guidance.
Is the Flu Vaccine Free in Australia?
The flu vaccine is funded through the National Immunisation Program for eligible people, but not everyone qualifies for a free vaccine. People outside the funded groups may be able to receive vaccination privately, with charges depending on the vaccine and provider.
| Group | 2026 NIP funding |
|---|---|
| Children aged 6 months to under 5 years | Funded if eligible under the program |
| Pregnant people | Funded at any stage of pregnancy |
| Adults aged 65 years and older | Funded; specific vaccine recommendations apply |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older | Funded |
| People aged 6 months and older with specified medical risk conditions | Funded if eligibility criteria are met |
| People outside these groups | Private vaccination may be available at a cost |
The vaccine itself and the consultation or administration fee may be billed differently. Before booking, ask whether the vaccine is funded for you, whether a consultation fee applies and whether the provider has the vaccine you need.
For Victorian eligibility information, see the Victorian Department of Health’s seasonal influenza vaccine guidance.
When Should You Get the Flu Vaccine in Australia?
Annual flu vaccination is recommended from April onwards to help protect against the usual winter influenza season, which commonly peaks between June and September in Australia. The best timing for an individual depends on the season, age, health circumstances and current clinical advice.
It is now October 2026, so avoid assuming that the season is still approaching. If you have not been vaccinated this year, ask a healthcare professional whether vaccination is still appropriate based on current influenza activity and your personal risk.
Protection takes around two weeks to develop, and influenza can circulate outside the typical peak months. Do not rely on a fixed calendar date alone; check current advice and discuss your circumstances with your GP.
For local seasonal guidance, read Flu Season on the Mornington Peninsula: When to Get Your Vaccination.
What Are the Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine?
Most flu vaccine side effects are mild and short-lived, such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness, muscle aches or a mild fever. These reactions generally settle within a few days, but speak to a healthcare professional if symptoms concern you or are severe.
The injectable influenza vaccines used in Australia are inactivated vaccines and cannot cause influenza. FluMist is different: it is a live attenuated vaccine delivered as a nasal spray, and its suitability depends on age and individual medical circumstances.
Tell your healthcare provider about previous severe allergic reactions, current health conditions, pregnancy and medicines before vaccination. They can assess which vaccine is appropriate and explain what to expect afterwards.
For official information, see the Australian Government’s influenza vaccination questions and answers.
Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with Other Vaccines?
The flu vaccine can generally be administered during the same visit as several other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, when clinically appropriate. Your healthcare provider can confirm which vaccines can be given together and whether any individual factors affect the recommendation.
Tell the vaccinator which vaccines you have recently received and whether you have any medical conditions or previous reactions. If you are considering FluMist, ask specifically about co-administration and suitability because recommendations may differ from those for injectable vaccines.
Do not delay necessary vaccination based only on a general online schedule. Your GP or immunisation provider can advise on timing for your individual circumstances.
Is the Flu Vaccine Safe for People with Egg Allergies?
People with egg allergies can generally receive an age-appropriate influenza vaccine in Australia, but you should tell the vaccinator about your allergy and any previous severe vaccine reactions. Your healthcare professional can review the relevant product information and select a suitable vaccine.
Cell-based influenza vaccines are also available, but you do not need to assume that an egg allergy automatically requires a particular brand. The appropriate choice depends on the vaccine, your medical history and current Australian immunisation guidance.
If you have previously experienced anaphylaxis or another serious reaction after vaccination, discuss this before receiving another dose.
How Effective Is the Flu Vaccine?
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from season to season, depending on factors such as how well the vaccine strains match circulating viruses and the age and health of the person vaccinated. Vaccination does not prevent every influenza infection, but it helps reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications.
A single effectiveness percentage should not be treated as a guarantee for every person or every season. Protection against infection and protection against severe outcomes are different measures, and results vary between studies and populations.
Annual vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of complications. Your healthcare professional can discuss the expected benefits in light of your age, medical history and individual circumstances.
Where Can You Get a Flu Vaccine in Mornington?
The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic in Mornington offers influenza vaccination as part of its immunisation services. If you are seeking a flu vaccine on the Mornington Peninsula, contact the clinic to confirm current vaccine stock, eligibility, appointment availability and any applicable charges.
The clinic can help you understand whether you may qualify for a funded vaccine and which options are appropriate for your circumstances. Availability of particular brands or nasal spray vaccines should be confirmed directly rather than assumed.
Book a flu vaccination enquiry: Call (03) 5925 9293 or visit the clinic’s Immunisations & Vaccinations in Mornington service page.
FAQs
When should I get the flu vaccine in 2026?
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from April onwards in Australia, ahead of the usual winter peak. As it is now October 2026, ask your GP whether vaccination is still appropriate based on current influenza activity and your personal risk.
Is the flu vaccine free in Australia?
It is funded under the National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, including young children, pregnant people, adults aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions. People who do not qualify may be able to get vaccinated privately at a cost.
Do I need a flu vaccine every year?
Yes, annual influenza vaccination is recommended because circulating influenza viruses change and protection can decline over time. The seasonal vaccine is reviewed to target strains expected to circulate.
Can the flu vaccine give me influenza?
The injectable influenza vaccines used in Australia are inactivated and cannot cause influenza. FluMist is a live attenuated nasal vaccine, so it is important to distinguish between vaccine types and ask a healthcare professional which is appropriate for you.
Can children get the nasal spray flu vaccine in Australia?
FluMist is registered for children and adolescents aged 2 to under 18 years. It is not suitable for every child, and availability and funding vary, so confirm suitability and stock with a healthcare professional.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I have an egg allergy?
People with egg allergies can generally receive an age-appropriate influenza vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider about the allergy and any previous severe reactions so they can assess the appropriate vaccine and precautions.
What are the common flu vaccine side effects?
Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, tiredness, muscle aches and mild fever. These effects usually resolve within a few days; contact a healthcare professional if you experience a concerning or severe reaction.
Where can I book a flu vaccine in Mornington?
You can contact The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic on (03) 5925 9293 or visit its immunisation and vaccination service page to ask about appointments, vaccine availability and fees.
References
For current recommendations, vaccine eligibility and safety information, consult:
- Australian Government Department of Health: Influenza vaccine
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation: 2026 influenza vaccine statement
- Therapeutic Goods Administration: 2026 seasonal influenza vaccines
- Victorian Department of Health: Seasonal influenza vaccine
- The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic: Immunisations & Vaccinations in Mornington
Guidance, funding arrangements and vaccine availability may change. Check current official information and confirm local availability before booking.