Stronger flu vaccine for Aust's over-65s

Two new, stronger flu vaccines will be available to older Australians for free this season in a bid to prevent another deadly outbreak.

The federal government will spend $31 million on a flu vaccination program this year. Source: AAP

More than 1100 people across Australia died from the flu last year, with most of them over 65.

FluAd and FluZone will be free for over 65s when the supply arrives in Australia in April, the federal government announced on Sunday.

"The two new vaccines are about giving Australians the best chance at getting through the flu season with as little impact as possible," Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne.

Last year's flu season was deadly because the elderly immune response to the vaccine had been waning in recent years and the A-strain of the flu mutated mid-season, leaving even vaccinated people vulnerable, Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said.