Influenza (flu) is a serious respiratory illness that hospitalises tens of thousands of Australians and kills thousands more each year. It is not a bad cold — it is a distinct viral infection that can cause severe illness, pneumonia, and life-threatening complications in vulnerable patients. Annual vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you.
When Does Flu Season Start in Victoria?
In Victoria, flu season typically peaks between June and September, with activity beginning to rise from April–May. The key is to be vaccinated before the season starts — ideally in March or April. Immunity takes approximately two weeks to develop after vaccination, so early booking ensures you are protected when circulating viruses are at their highest levels.
Is the Flu Vaccine Free?
The following groups are eligible for a free annual flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- People aged 6 months and over with certain chronic medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, COPD, kidney disease, cancer, immunosuppression)
Patients who do not meet the NIP eligibility criteria can access the annual flu vaccine privately at a modest cost. Contact our reception team for current pricing.
Why Does the Flu Vaccine Matter for the Mornington Peninsula Community?
The Mornington Peninsula has a large proportion of older residents and families with young children — both groups at heightened risk of serious flu complications. When a high proportion of the community is vaccinated, it also provides indirect protection to those who cannot be vaccinated (such as very young infants and the severely immunocompromised) through herd immunity.
Protecting Your Family
The most effective way to protect newborns and very young infants from influenza — who are too young to be vaccinated — is to ensure all household members and carers are vaccinated. This includes parents, grandparents and older siblings. We can vaccinate the whole family at Peninsula MDC Mornington, including children from 6 months of age.
Book Your Flu Vaccination
We recommend booking your annual flu vaccination rather than simply walking in, to ensure vaccine availability and allow time for a brief pre-vaccination health check. However, walk-ins are always welcome where capacity allows. Call our reception team on (03) 5925 9293 or book online via HotDoc.