Settlement Guide: 5 flu shot facts to know

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

flu shot Source: Press Association

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).

Health care worker Sue King gives a flu vaccination injection to fellow worker Vanessa Whatmough at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne (AAP Image/David Source: AAP

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

Science/medical lab generic stock images. Tuesday, May 14, 2013. (AAP Image/David Crosling) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP

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

File photo dated 05/12/08 of the hands of an elderly woman. John Stillwell/PA Wire Source: Press Association

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

Source: AAP

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