While the past two flu seasons have been tamed by the efforts to slow Covid, Australia is in the midst of a severe flu season, which can often portend what the U.S. season will look like. The Australian flu season, which typically runs May through September, has already exceeded its five-year average, particularly affecting children under age 5, according to a recent report. This year we expect a worse flu season due to this and also the fact that no one is masking as they have been over the previous 2 years.

The best time to obtain a flu vaccine is mid-October, ideally prior to the end of October. However, it is better to get it early than not at all, so if timing doesn’t work for October, get it now. 

A reminder that a flu shot doesn’t protect people against getting infected with COVID-19 and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 doesn’t protect people against getting the flu which is caused by a different virus, the influenza virus. Currently, a combination vaccine against influenza and COVID-19 is not available, so it’s best to have both vaccines to have protection against both diseases. A combination vaccine may become available later this year.

All our vaccines are single dose and preservative free. We have regular (6months+) and high dose (for those over 65) vaccines and also intranasal spray vaccines- “Flumist” (ages 2-49 without any contraindications – great for kids or those who are needle phobic!).