Your Shield Against Flu Season: Protect Your Family & Community Now

The Flu Is More Than “Just a Cold”

Think of the flu (influenza) as more than a passing inconvenience—it’s a virus that spreads quickly, often with serious consequences. While colds might leave you sniffling, influenza can lead to hospitalisation, especially for vulnerable groups like young children, seniors over 65, expectant parents, First Nations communities, and those with chronic health conditions. At Qualitas Medical Practice, we believe vaccination is the best step you can take —to protect yourself and those around you.

Who Benefits Most? (Hint: Almost Everyone)

Everyone aged 6 months and older can benefit from the flu vaccine, but it’s particularly vital for¹:

• Children under 5: Infants and children aged <5 years have a higher risk of hospitalisation, serious illness and complications after influenza than older children. ²
• Adults over 65: Influenza-associated death rates are highest among adults aged ≥65 years.³ Vaccinating elderly people reduces hospitalisations from influenza and pneumonia and all-cause death rates.⁴
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Women who acquire influenza during pregnancy have an increased risk of significant illness and death.⁵ Women who acquire influenza are also at higher risk of preterm birth. Vaccinating pregnant women also reduces the risks and complications associated with severe influenza in their infants in the first 6 months of life. This is due to the transfer of influenza-specific antibodies through the placenta.⁶
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: The consequences from influenza are significantly higher among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than among non-Indigenous Australians in all age groups. You can find more information at Vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 
• People with medical conditions that increase their risk of influenza: See details at Table. Specified medical conditions associated with increased risk of influenza disease and severe outcomes
• Travellers: People who are travelling are recommended to receive an influenza vaccine, especially if influenza is circulating in the destination region or in settings with increased risk of influenza circulation during the trip, such as:⁷
  • travellers in large tourist groups (especially those including older people)
  • travellers on cruises
  • travellers participating in mass gatherings (for example travellers on pilgrimage to Mecca)

Even if, after contracting the virus, you feel healthy, your vaccination helps protect neighbours, grandparents, and little ones who rely on community immunity.

Who is eligible to receive a free influenza vaccine under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP)?

The influenza vaccine is available for free under the NIP for:

• children aged 6 months to 5 years
• all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• pregnant women  
• people with certain underlying medical conditions (further detail can be found here).  

All Queensland residents 6 months of age or older can access influenza vaccine for free in 2025 under this Queensland government funded program.

The 2025 Free Flu Vaccination Program runs from 1 March to 30 September 2025 (read more).

Timing Is Everything: Act Before Winter Peaks

Flu season in Australia typically begins in June, peaking by September. While it’s never too late to vaccinate, early action ensures protection when cases rise. Immunity peaks 3–4 months post-vaccine, so booking now means peace of mind all season long.

Myths vs. Facts: Your Questions Answered

“Will the shot give me the flu?” Rest assured—it can’t. Mild soreness or fatigue is just your body building defences.

“Is it effective?”The effectiveness of the vaccine depends on: 

• the age and health of the person receiving it;
• the match between the vaccine influenza strains and influenza strains circulating in the community.  

In young children and healthy adults aged less than 65 years who have received influenza vaccination, the likelihood of getting influenza is reduced by around 50–60%. This figure varies from year to year.

People with an underlying medical condition and elderly people may not respond as well to the influenza vaccine, so their level of protection from the vaccine may be lower. The vaccine does reduce the risk of influenza-associated pneumonia and hospitalisations.

“I’m too busy!” The process takes minutes. We’ll have you in and out, armed with protection.

“Can I safely exercise if I have a cold or the flu?” Light activity may help recovery, but prioritise rest if symptoms are severe. For tailored tips on staying active during flu season, explore our Flu Season Fitness Australia – Exercise & Recovery Tips for Autumn 2025.

How to Book (It’s Easier Than Ever)

Don’t wait for the first signs of a cold or flu virus to hit —act now. At Qualitas Medical Practice, we’re here to make vaccination simple:

• Book online in seconds.
• Call us for a friendly chat.
• Walk in at your convenience.

Visit our website to find your nearest clinic. Let’s make this winter a season of health, not hurdles.

Final Note: Every flu shot is a step towards a safer community. Join countless others who’ve already protected themselves—and others—this year. 💙

We’re passionate about your health. 

Find A Practice Near You

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References:

[1] Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Immunisation Handbook, 2025, https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu#recommendations

[2] Li-Kim-Moy J, Yin JK, Blyth CC, et al. Influenza hospitalizations in Australian children. Epidemiology and Infection 2017;145:1451-60.

[3] Li-Kim-Moy J, Yin JK, Patel C, et al. Australian vaccine preventable disease epidemiological review series: influenza 2006 to 2015. Communicable Diseases Intelligence 2016;40:E482-95.

[4] Jefferson T, Di Pietrantonj C, Al-Ansary LA, et al. Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010;(2):CD004876. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004876.pub3.

[5] Mertz D, Kim TH, Johnstone J, et al. Populations at risk for severe or complicated influenza illness: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2013;347:f5061.

[6] Benowitz I, Esposito DB, Gracey KD, Shapiro ED, Vázquez M. Influenza vaccine given to pregnant women reduces hospitalization due to influenza in their infants. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2010;51:1355-61.

[7] Marti F, Steffen R, Mutsch M. Influenza vaccine: a travelers’ vaccine? Expert Review of Vaccines 2008;7:679-87.