How and where we get our flu shots

Millions of extra flu shots are expected to be administered in 2017, with vaccines available at pharmacies as well as GP surgeries and medical centres.

A Pharmacy Guild survey indicates more than seven million Australians plan to have a flu shot in 2017.

* Less than half of Australian adults had a flu shot last year

* Half of all flu shots were administered at a GP's surgery or medical centre in 2016

* 35 per cent of flu vaccines were given to people at their workplace

* 13 per cent of flu shots were administered at pharmacies

* 2017 is the first year that flu vaccines will be available from trained staff at pharmacies across Australia

* More than 3000 Australians die from influenza each year

* An estimated 18,000 people are hospitalised with flu annually

* Influenza is highly contagious and easily transmitted by coughs and sneezes

* Adults vaccinated against flu have nearly half the number of doctor's visits and sick days caused by upper respiratory illnesses compared with unvaccinated people.

(Source: Pharamacy Guild)