Every year, thousands of Australians are hospitalised with the flu and many cases are preventable. Last year alone, more than 2.3 million flu vaccine doses were given across NSW. (Stat from NSW Health).
With flu season approaching, vaccinations are available from 1 April, giving you the chance to protect yourself and your family before winter hits.
Why the Flu Is More Serious Than You Think
Influenza isn’t just a bad cold. It spreads easily, can hit suddenly, and in some cases can lead to serious complications like pneumonia.
While flu can circulate year-round, cases rise significantly during Autumn and Winter which is why vaccination is recommended from April each year.
What You Need to Know About the Flu
What are the symptoms?
The most common are fever, chills, joint and muscle pain and a headache. You might also find you have fatigue, a cough, a sore throat and a runny nose. Sometimes the first symptoms of the flu in a child are feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Unlike a cold, flu symptoms often come on suddenly and can knock you off your feet.
How does the flu spread?
The flu spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
You can also catch it by touching contaminated surfaces like door handles and then touching your face.
Importantly, people can spread the flu before they even realise they’re sick. Most adults are contagious for around 5 days, while children can spread it for up to 10 days.
Who is most at risk from the flu?
You might think you have an iron constitution and never get sick, but anyone can get the flu but some people are more likely to become seriously ill:
- Children under 5
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Pregnant women
- People with existing health conditions (e.g. heart or respiratory issues)
NSW Health data also highlights a concerning trend: many children hospitalised with flu had never been offered a vaccine, despite free vaccinations being available for young children since 2018. NSW Health Winter Respiratory Vaccination Toolkit, March 2026
How to Protect Others
There are simple steps you can take to help protect others, including:
- Stay home
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid contact with vulnerable people
What’s New for 2026 — A Needle-Free Option for Young Children
Good news for parents in 2026, NSW Health is offering a free nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2 to 4 years, so there’s no needle required. Children aged 6 months to under 2 years should still see their GP for their vaccination. – NSW Health, 2026 Flu Vaccination Program.
How, Where and When to Get Vaccinated
While it’s possible to get the flu at any time of year, cases in most parts of Australia are highest between June and September.
Getting vaccinated in April or May provides the best protection ahead of peak flu season. If you miss the recommended timeframe, it’s never too late.
Flu vaccines are widely available and easy to access. You can book through:
- Your GP
- Local pharmacies
- Aboriginal Medical Services
Influenza vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines.
Most pharmacies can vaccinate people aged 2 years and over.
Is the Vaccine Free for Me?
Your yearly vaccine is free for:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal people aged 6 months and over
- Adults aged 65+
- People with certain medical conditions
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you are eligible.
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