Should I get a flu shot to protect myself this winter?

Up to four million Australians are expected to get a flu shot this winter. Are you one of them? If not, think twice... Influenza is estimated to be responsible for almost 170 deaths in Australia each year!

Autsch! Dafür hat man die Gewissheit, nicht an Grippe zu erkranken. Source: AAP

Father-of-three Paul Jans missed his flu shot last year and paid the price. After putting it off for a few days, Mr Jans eventually visited his GP. A trip to hospital and a week in bed followed:

"My temperature was high, I obviously was very congested, I had no energy, I was very lethargic so they diagnosed with me with the bad case of the flu."

But it doesn't have to be like this. 2017 will be the first time the flu shot will be available at Australia's pharmacies - free of charge to certain risk groups, and subsidised to all others.

For further details and to check your eligibility, click here.