The best time to get the flu shot in Australia is April to June. That gives your body time to build protection before flu season peaks between June and September. This guide explains when to go, who should get one and what to do if you have already missed the window. Our team offers flu vaccinations in Gympie, with appointments open 7 days, including weeknights until 9 pm.
| Quick answer Best time: April to June, before the June to September peak.Who: Everyone aged 6 months and over. Young children, pregnant women, people 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with certain health conditions can get it free.Missed April? You can still get vaccinated while flu is going around. |
When to get the flu shot in Australia
Health authorities recommend getting vaccinated from April onwards. Flu season usually peaks between June and September in most parts of Australia, and Queensland follows the same pattern.
The vaccine takes about two weeks to start working. Protection is strongest in the first three to four months after your shot. Getting it much earlier than April can mean your protection fades before the season is over. Getting it late means you may catch the virus before the vaccine has had time to work.
For most people, April to June is the sweet spot.
Flu vaccine timing through the year
Here is a simple guide to what to do at each time of year.
| Time of year | What is happening | What to do |
| March | New season vaccines start arriving at clinics. | Book ahead. Most people wait until April. |
| April to June | The best window. Your body builds protection before the peak. | Get your flu shot. |
| June to September | Peak flu season across Australia. | If you have not had your shot, get it now. |
| October to February | Flu cases usually drop, but some viruses still circulate. | Talk to your GP if you are unsure. Plan to book again next April. |
Who should get a flu shot
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends a flu shot every year for everyone aged 6 months and over. Some people are more likely to get seriously sick, so the shot matters even more for them. These groups can get a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
| Group | Why it matters | Free under the NIP? |
| Children aged 6 months to under 5 years | Young children can get quite sick from flu and often need medical care. | Yes |
| Pregnant women | Flu can be more serious in pregnancy. The shot also helps protect your baby in the first months of life. | Yes |
| People aged 65 and over | Immunity weakens with age, which raises the risk of complications like pneumonia. | Yes |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over | Higher rates of severe flu in these communities. | Yes |
| People aged 5 to 64 with a medical risk factor | Conditions such as asthma, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a weakened immune system can get worse with flu. | Yes |
| Everyone else aged 6 months and over | The shot protects you and the people around you. | Not under the NIP |
A note on Queensland’s free flu program. In 2026, Queensland Health ran a statewide free flu program for everyone aged 6 months and over, from 1 March to 30 September. That program has now closed. If you are not in one of the NIP groups above, call us to check the current cost before you book.
You may also have extra reason to get vaccinated if you:
- live with or care for a baby under 6 months old
- look after someone with a weakened immune system or a long-term illness
- work in healthcare, aged care or childcare
- live in an aged care facility
Children and babies
Children under 9 getting a flu shot for the first time need two doses, at least four weeks apart. After that, one dose a year is enough. Babies under 6 months are too young for the vaccine, so the best way to protect them is for the mother to be vaccinated during pregnancy and for the people around them to be vaccinated too.
In 2026, a needle-free nasal spray called FluMist is also available in Queensland. It was funded for children aged 2 to 5, and for children aged 6 to 17 who struggle with needles. Flu shots sit alongside the other routine vaccines your child needs. Our guide to the childhood immunisation schedule in Australia shows what is due and when.
Pregnancy
A flu shot is recommended in every pregnancy, at any stage. If you had a flu shot earlier in pregnancy last year, you should still have the 2026 vaccine if it becomes available before your baby is born, because the vaccine changes each year. The flu shot can safely be given on the same day as the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine.
Adults 65 and over
Flu can lead to pneumonia and hospital stays in older adults. If you are 65 or over, ask us which flu vaccine suits your age. You may also be due for the shingles vaccine, and it can be given at the same visit as your flu shot. Our guide, Shingles Vaccine: Who Should Get It and When, explains who qualifies.
Flu season in Australia: what to expect
Flu season in Australia runs through the cooler months, with most cases between June and September. The virus changes from year to year, which is why you need a new shot each year. All flu vaccines in Australia in 2026 are trivalent, meaning they protect against three flu strains. This is a change from the four-strain vaccines used in earlier years.
Flu is different from a common cold. It tends to hit fast and hard. Common signs include:
- sudden fever and chills
- body aches and headache
- dry cough and sore throat
- tiredness that lasts for days
When to get urgent help: if you or your child has trouble breathing, chest pain, a blue tinge to the lips, or is hard to wake, call 000 straight away.
Is it too late to get the flu shot?
Not as long as flu viruses are still going around and your vaccine is in date. A shot in July or August still protects you for the rest of the season. Even a later shot gives you some cover, and it is better than none.
If you had flu earlier this year, you can still have the shot. Other strains may still be circulating, and the vaccine can protect you against them. If you are reading this late in the year, speak to your GP about whether a shot makes sense now or whether it is better to plan for April.
Flu shot before overseas travel
Flu does not follow Australia’s calendar everywhere. It can spread all year in tropical regions, and the northern hemisphere has its flu season in winter, from about November to March. If you are heading overseas, or joining a cruise or a large tour group, a flu shot before you leave may be worth it. Our team can plan this with your other travel vaccines through travel medicine in Gympie.
Can you have the flu shot with other vaccines?
Yes. The flu shot can be given on the same day as most other vaccines. That includes the COVID-19 vaccine, the whooping cough vaccine and the shingles vaccine. Having two vaccines in one visit saves you a trip and does not make either one work less well. Your GP will check what you are due for and suggest the best plan.
Flu shot side effects and safety
The flu shot cannot give you the flu. It does not contain live virus. Some people feel a little unwell for a day or two afterwards. Common effects are:
- a sore, red or swollen arm
- tiredness or a mild headache
- a low fever
Serious allergic reactions are rare. Tell your GP if you have ever had a serious reaction to a vaccine. The flu vaccines funded under the NIP in 2026 are latex free, so people with a latex allergy can have them safely.
Book your flu shot in Gympie
You do not need to take time off work to get protected. Our GPs see patients 7 days a week, and we are open until 9 pm on weeknights. We also have an on-site pharmacy at the same address.
- Address: Shop 5-6, 30 Excelsior Road, Gympie QLD 4570
- Phone: (07) 2140 4888
- Book online: Book an appointment on HealthEngine
- More details: Flu vaccinations at Gympie Day and Evening Clinic
Call us if you are unsure whether you qualify for a free vaccine, or if you want to know what the cost will be.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to get the flu shot?
April to June. This gives your body about two weeks to build protection before flu season peaks from June to September.
How long does the flu shot last?
Protection is strongest in the first three to four months. It can last through the whole season for many people, but you need a new shot every year because the virus and the vaccine change.
Who should get a flu shot?
Everyone aged 6 months and over. It matters most for children under 5, pregnant women, people 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and anyone with a long-term health condition.
Do I need a flu shot every year?
Yes. Flu viruses change each year, and the protection from your last shot fades over time.
Can I have the flu shot while I am sick?
If you have a mild cold, you can usually still be vaccinated. If you have a fever or feel quite unwell, wait until you recover. Your GP can advise you.