Settlement Guide: 5 flu shot facts to know

The national influenza vaccination program rolls out in April. Here’s 5 facts to know.

Immunization Source: AAP

1. Each year in Australia the flu causes an average of 13,500 hospitalisations and over 3,000 deaths.

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2. The flu shot is safe for all Australians, including pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy.

The vaccine is tested before being approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

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3. Each year the flu vaccine is changed to protect against recent flu strains.

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4. Flu shots are free for people at highest risk.

These include:

•  people aged 65 years and over;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months to 5 years and aged 15 years and over;
• pregnant women; and
• people with a listed chronic disease

5. The 2016 flu shot is available in April from GPs and other immunisation providers.

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More information on the flu vaccination program is available at Immunise Australia Program .