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24th April, 2026Flu Season Prep: Immunisations for the Whole Family
Flu season in Australia typically runs from April through to October, with cases peaking between June and September. For families across Brisbane’s southside, now is the time to start thinking about protection before the cooler months set in.
Annual flu vaccination remains the single most effective way to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and complications from influenza. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that everyone aged six months and over receive a flu vaccine each year, and getting vaccinated early in the season gives your immune system time to build protection before the virus is circulating widely.
What’s new for the 2026 flu season?
There are a few notable changes to be aware of this year.
First, all flu vaccines available in Australia in 2026 have transitioned from quadrivalent (four-strain) to trivalent (three-strain) formulations. This follows recommendations from the World Health Organisation, after the B/Yamagata influenza lineage was removed from the vaccine composition as it is believed to no longer be circulating globally.
Second, and this is particularly welcome news for parents, a nasal spray flu vaccine called FluMist is available in Australia for the first time. FluMist is a needle-free option approved for children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years. In Queensland, FluMist will be available free of charge through state-funded programs for children aged 2 to 5 years (inclusive). For children outside that age range, the nasal spray vaccine is available on the private market.
For adults aged 65 and over, specifically formulated vaccines such as Fluad (adjuvanted) continue to be recommended and funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to help produce a stronger immune response.
Free flu vaccines for all Queenslanders
In a significant expansion for 2026, the Queensland Government is funding free flu vaccinations for all Queensland residents aged six months and over. The program runs from 1 March to 30 September 2026, and you do not need a Medicare card to be eligible.
This means that regardless of your age or health status, you and your family can receive a free flu vaccine at participating providers, including general practices like the Carina Medical and Specialist Centre. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the standard vaccine itself.
It is worth noting that while the Queensland program covers the vaccine, a consultation fee may still apply at private billing practices. A Medicare rebate is available for the consultation component.
The Queensland program sits alongside the federal National Immunisation Program, which continues to fund flu vaccines for groups at higher risk of complications. These include children aged six months to under five years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over, pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy), adults aged 65 years and over, and people with certain medical conditions such as severe asthma, heart disease, diabetes or weakened immune systems.
Why vaccinate the whole family?
Influenza spreads easily within households. Young children, in particular, are highly efficient at picking up and passing on the virus. When the whole family is vaccinated, you create a layer of protection that helps keep vulnerable members safe, including newborns who are too young to be vaccinated, elderly grandparents, and anyone managing a chronic health condition.
It is also worth noting that even healthy adults can experience significant illness from the flu. Missed days of work and school, lingering fatigue, and secondary infections like pneumonia are all common complications. A yearly flu vaccine is a straightforward step that can make a real difference to how your family gets through winter.
What to expect at your appointment
Getting a flu vaccination is a quick process. For most people, it involves a brief consultation followed by the injection itself, and you can go about your day immediately afterwards. Some people experience mild side effects such as a sore arm, low-grade fever or general tiredness for a day or two. These are normal signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
For children receiving the new FluMist nasal spray, the experience is a little different. Rather than a needle, the vaccine is delivered as a gentle spray into each nostril. It is a great option for children who find needles stressful, and it is just as effective as the traditional injection for eligible age groups.
If your child is receiving a flu vaccine for the first time and is under nine years of age with a medical risk condition (or under two years of age), they may need two doses given at least four weeks apart for the best protection. The doctors practising at the Carina Medical and Specialist Centre can advise on the right schedule during your appointment.
When should you book?
ATAGI recommends getting vaccinated as soon as the seasonal vaccine becomes available, ideally from April onwards. This gives your body around two weeks to develop full immunity before peak flu season hits in the middle of the year.
Even if you had a flu vaccine late last year or earlier this year, you should still receive the updated 2026 formulation. Each year’s vaccine is specifically tailored to the strains expected to circulate that season, so last year’s shot will not provide the same level of protection.
Book your family’s flu vaccination in Brisbane
The doctors practising at the Carina Medical and Specialist Centre are now offering flu vaccinations for patients of all ages.
Whether you are from Carina, Carina Heights, Camp Hill, Cannon Hill, Morningside or the surrounding suburbs, booking is simple. Schedule your appointment online or call the practice on 07 3398 8188.
Please note that the Carina Medical and Specialist Centre is a private billing practice. Flu vaccines funded under the NIP are provided at no cost for the vaccine itself. A consultation fee may apply, and a Medicare rebate is available. For full details on fees, please visit our pricing page.
The information provided in this blog is general information only. It is not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or have a medical condition, please contact a qualified healthcare provider or medical practitioner immediately.