As the cooler months approach, it’s time to start thinking about protecting yourself and your family from influenza. The flu season in Australia typically runs from April through September, with peak activity usually occurring between June and August. Getting vaccinated before the season begins gives your body the best chance to build immunity before the virus starts circulating in our community.
Why the Flu Vaccine Matters
Influenza is more than just a bad cold. It can cause significant illness, keep you away from work or school for a week or more, and lead to complications requiring hospitalisation — particularly in vulnerable groups.
Getting vaccinated each year is one of the most straightforward ways to help protect yourself and the people around you, including those who cannot receive the vaccine themselves. The influenza virus changes from season to season, which is why an updated vaccine is recommended annually.
Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine?
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. Certain groups are particularly encouraged to get vaccinated each year:
- Adults aged 65 years and older
- 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 older
- People with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems
- Household contacts and carers of people in the above groups
If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is right for you, your GP can talk through your individual health circumstances and answer any questions you have.
Is the Flu Vaccine Free?
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free influenza vaccines for eligible groups, including adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older, and people with certain medical conditions. Children aged 6 months to under 5 years are also eligible for a free vaccine under the NIP.
At My Family Doctors, we offer bulk billing for the consultation for concession card holders, DVA card holders, and children under 16. Please speak with our reception team when booking to confirm your eligibility.
What to Expect at Your Flu Vaccination Appointment
A flu vaccination appointment at My Family Doctors is straightforward and usually takes only 15 to 20 minutes in total. Here’s what typically happens:
Before Your Appointment
There’s no special preparation required. Wearing a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top makes it easier to access your upper arm for the injection. If you have any known allergies — particularly to eggs or previous vaccine components — let your GP know beforehand.
During Your Appointment
Your GP or nurse will ask a few brief health questions to confirm you’re well enough to receive the vaccine on the day. The injection itself takes only a few seconds and is given into the upper arm muscle. Most people find the experience very manageable.
After Your Appointment
You’ll be asked to wait for approximately 15 minutes after the vaccine as a standard safety precaution. Some people experience mild soreness at the injection site or feel a little tired for a day or two — this is a normal response and settles quickly on its own.
When Should You Book?
Vaccines for the 2026 season are expected to be available from late March or April. Ideally, aim to get vaccinated before the end of May to allow your immunity to build ahead of peak flu season. That said, it’s worth getting vaccinated even if you miss that window — protection is still valuable later in the season.
Flu vaccines are available at My Family Doctors throughout the season, subject to stock availability. Getting in early helps ensure you’re covered when it matters most.
Book Your Flu Vaccination in Five Dock
The team at My Family Doctors at 52–54 Great North Road, Five Dock is here to help you stay well this flu season. Our GPs and nurses are happy to answer any questions you have about the vaccine at your appointment.
You can book online at any time through HotDoc, or call us on (02) 9051 2885 during business hours (Monday to Friday 9am–5:30pm, Saturday 9am–1pm). We look forward to seeing you.
