Australians are being urged to take advantage of free flu shots ahead of a horror sickness season due to a virus expected to kill more than 4000 people this winter.
Health Minister Greg Hunt on Sunday announced a nationwide distribution of the influenza vaccine, available for eligible people at no cost through the federal government-funded National Immunisation Program (NIP).
More than six million flu shots will be free for Australians aged over 65, indigenous people, pregnant women and those at a greater medical risk of contracting the virus.
Experts say the best time to get the jab is at the end of April as the vaccine wears off after three to four months and takes a few weeks to build immunity.
As hospitals brace for a horror flu season, the Australian Government has announced free flu shots for at-risk groups through the National Immunisation Program
Mr Hunt said it's important Australians get vaccinated each year as the virus changes from year to year.
'Clinical experts have advised that optimal protection against influenza occurs within the first three to four months following vaccination,' he said.
'Getting vaccinated from mid-April allows protection during the peak influenza transmission period, from around June to September in most parts of Australia.'
The flu shots are part of the Australian Government's push to lessen the spread of the flu which has devastated communities in recent years.
More than 10,000 people caught the flu in March 2019 - 6,827 more than this time last year, according to official data released by the Immunisation Coalition.
More than 10,000 Australians caught the flu in March 2019 - almost 7000 more than this time last year
In 2017, 1255 people died as a result of the virus, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, said GP Dr Harry Nespolen, president of the
