Flu season in Victoria typically peaks between June and September, and annual influenza vaccination is recommended from April onwards. If you live on the Mornington Peninsula, getting vaccinated ahead of winter gives your body time to develop protection and helps reduce the risk of severe illness. The Peninsula M&D Clinic in Mornington provides influenza vaccination services for individuals and families.
When Does Flu Season Start in Victoria?
Flu season in Victoria typically peaks between June and September, although influenza can circulate outside these months. Annual vaccination is recommended from April onwards, allowing time for immunity to develop before peak winter activity. The best timing can vary depending on your age, health and vaccination history, so ask your GP if you are unsure when to book.
In Victoria, the general seasonal timeline is:
| Period | What to know |
|---|---|
| April onwards | Recommended starting period for annual influenza vaccination. |
| June to September | Typical peak period for flu activity. |
| After September | Vaccination may still be worthwhile while influenza is circulating. Ask your GP about your individual circumstances. |
It takes approximately two weeks for the body to develop protection following influenza vaccination. Getting vaccinated early enough can help you build immunity before exposure increases.
For broader information about vaccine recommendations, eligibility and available options, read our guide to the flu vaccine in Australia.
Who Is Eligible for a Free Flu Vaccine in Victoria?
Free influenza vaccination is available under Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible priority groups, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions. Eligibility depends on the relevant program criteria, so check with your GP if you are unsure whether you qualify.
The following groups are eligible for a free annual influenza vaccine under the NIP:
- Adults aged 65 years and over.
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy.
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over.
- People aged 6 months and over with specified medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza.
Eligible medical conditions can include certain cardiac, chronic respiratory, immunocompromising, haematological, metabolic, kidney and neurological conditions. A healthcare professional can confirm whether your condition meets the funding criteria.
If you are not eligible for a funded vaccine, private vaccination may be available for a fee. Contact The Peninsula M&D Clinic to confirm current availability, eligibility and pricing before booking.
Why Is Annual Flu Vaccination Important on the Mornington Peninsula?
Annual flu vaccination helps reduce the risk of influenza and its complications, particularly for people who are more vulnerable to severe illness. It is relevant to families, older residents and people living with certain chronic conditions across the Mornington Peninsula. Vaccination is not a guarantee against infection, but it is an important part of seasonal prevention.
Influenza is different from the common cold and can cause significant illness, including complications such as pneumonia. The risk of severe outcomes is higher for some groups, including young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with certain underlying medical conditions.
The influenza virus changes over time, which is why the vaccine is reviewed and updated for each season. Last year’s vaccination should not be relied on as a substitute for the current seasonal dose.
Vaccination works alongside other practical steps to reduce transmission, such as washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you are unwell.
For current recommendations and available vaccination services, see our immunisations and vaccinations service in Mornington.
How Can You Protect Babies and Young Children During Flu Season?
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for children from 6 months of age, and children aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible for a free vaccine under the NIP. Babies younger than 6 months are too young to receive the influenza vaccine, so vaccination of eligible household members and carers can be an important part of protecting them.
Parents, grandparents and other regular carers can ask their healthcare providers about staying up to date with their own vaccinations. Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with a baby when unwell can also help reduce exposure to respiratory infections.
Children receiving influenza vaccination for the first time may need two doses, depending on their age and medical circumstances. Your GP can review your child’s vaccination history and advise on the appropriate schedule.
For more information about childhood vaccination, read our guide to the flu vaccine for kids in 2026.
What Should You Know Before Booking a Flu Vaccination?
Before booking a flu vaccination, check your eligibility for a funded vaccine, confirm the clinic’s current availability and tell your healthcare provider about relevant medical conditions, allergies and previous vaccine reactions. These details help the provider assess which vaccine is appropriate and whether any precautions are needed.
It is useful to have your Medicare details and vaccination history available when arranging your appointment. If you are booking for a child, ask whether their age and previous influenza vaccinations affect the number of doses required.
The Peninsula M&D Clinic recommends making an appointment to help confirm vaccine availability and allow time for a pre-vaccination assessment. Walk-in availability should be confirmed with reception rather than assumed.
Where Can You Get a Flu Vaccine on the Mornington Peninsula?
The Peninsula M&D Clinic in Mornington offers influenza vaccination services for patients of different ages, with eligibility and vaccine suitability assessed according to individual circumstances. Contact the clinic to check current vaccine availability, whether a funded dose applies to you, and the appointment options available.
To arrange your flu vaccination:
- Contact the clinic to ask about availability and any applicable fees.
- Confirm whether you or your family member is eligible for a funded vaccine.
- Book an appointment and provide relevant medical and vaccination history.
- Follow the healthcare provider’s advice after vaccination.
The Peninsula M&D Clinic
- Phone: (03) 5925 9293
- Location: Mornington, Victoria
- Website: Immunisations and vaccinations in Mornington
- Online booking: Use the clinic’s booking option on its website or contact reception for assistance.
Getting vaccinated at the recommended time each year is a practical step towards reducing the risk of influenza and its complications. If you are unsure which vaccine is appropriate for you or your child, speak with your GP before booking.
FAQs
1. When should I get a flu vaccine in Victoria?
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from April onwards, before flu activity typically peaks between June and September. It takes approximately two weeks to develop protection after vaccination.
2. Can I get a flu vaccine after winter has started?
Yes, vaccination may still be beneficial after winter begins if influenza is circulating. Ask your GP about the most appropriate timing for your circumstances.
3. Is the flu vaccine free for everyone in Victoria?
No. The National Immunisation Program funds influenza vaccination for eligible priority groups, including young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with specified medical conditions. Other patients may be able to receive a vaccine privately for a fee.
4. Can my baby receive a flu vaccine?
Influenza vaccination is recommended from 6 months of age. Babies younger than 6 months cannot receive the influenza vaccine, so ask your GP about vaccination for household members and carers and other ways to reduce your baby’s exposure.
5. Does my child need more than one flu vaccine dose?
Some children receiving their first influenza vaccination need two doses, generally separated by at least four weeks. The required schedule depends on age, medical circumstances and previous vaccination history, so confirm the details with your GP.
6. Can I still get influenza after vaccination?
Yes. Influenza vaccination does not prevent every infection, and protection varies with factors such as circulating strains and individual health. Vaccination remains an important measure for reducing the risk of influenza and serious complications.
7. Where can I book a flu vaccination in Mornington?
You can contact The Peninsula M&D Clinic on (03) 5925 9293 or visit its immunisations and vaccinations page. Contact reception to confirm vaccine availability, eligibility, pricing and appointment options.