The 2024 flu season was the worst in Australia since 2019, with more than 349,000 influenza notifications reported between 1 January and October 2024.

Healthy North Coast is encouraging all residents to get their annual influenza vaccination as the 2025 flu season approaches.

With flu cases typically peaking between June and September, North Coast residents are being urged to get their vaccinations early to maximise protection in the community.

“Winter is coming, and this year there’s already been more than 55,000 flu cases reported in Australia. That’s almost double last year’s number,” said Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler.

“Getting vaccinated is a simple, safe and effective way of ensuring that you, your family and your loved ones are protected.”

Dr Beth Allin, GP at Grafton’s Queen Street Clinic and Medical Educator at Healthy North Coast, added, “When you get the flu, you feel really sick. You’re in bed for a week with fevers, body aches, cough, sore throat and generally feeling miserable. In the worst cases, it can lead to severe health problems like pneumonia and hospitalisation.

“The best way to prevent getting the flu, or getting very sick from the flu, is to be vaccinated.

“If you do have the flu, you can reduce the risk of spreading it by covering your cough, wearing a mask, washing your hands and staying home when you are sick.

“It’s also a good time to make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations against other respiratory diseases like RSV and COVID-19, if you are in a group for whom these are recommended. It is safe to receive these vaccinations at the same time as your influenza vaccine.

“The best time to get your flu vaccination is now.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and over. Some people can get it for free under the National Immunisation Program, including:

• People aged 65+
• Pregnant people
• Children aged 6 months to 5 years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• People with long-term health conditions

To book your flu shot, contact your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, or participating pharmacy. You can also use Healthdirect’s Service Finder to find your nearest vaccine provider. Everyone aged over 5 years can get vaccinated at their local pharmacy. Parents with children aged under 5 should see their doctor.

Healthy North Coast is continuing to work in partnership with the Public Health Unit and the region’s Local Health Districts to focus on improving rates of immunisation against many diseases.

For more information and to access resources, visit hnc.org.au/flu. There is also an easy-read influenza fact sheet available on NSW Health’s website.