Free Flu Shots Across Australia

Beginning June 1, 2022, most Australians will be able to visit a clinic or pharmacy to get their annual influenza vaccination for free. ABC News in Australia reported yesterday this vaccination program is well-timed.

'This year, it's even more important to get the influenza vaccine as we are more vulnerable to influenza,' stated the Australian government last month.

'This (health risk) is due to lower recent exposure to influenza viruses and lower uptake of flu shots in 2021.'

'With international borders reopening, we will likely see more influenza cases in 2022.'

For example, flu cases in Victoria have increased by more than 30% in the past week, from 10,000 to 15,000, more than in the past two years.

Previously, flu shots were free for certain high-risk groups, including pregnant women, seniors, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Vaccination experts recommend influenza vaccination for most people aged six months and over.

In the USA, the FDA's vaccine committee selected the influenza vaccine strains for the 2022–2023 season in the Northern Hemisphere in March 2022.

These flu shots generally become available at clinics and pharmacies during August each year.

Last flu season, about 174 million vaccines were distributed in the USA.

Updated flu vaccine news is posted at PrecisionVaccinations.com/Flu.

Note: This information was curated for mobile readership.