Flu Season is Not Over: Why It’s Still Important to Stay Protected

As we near the end of winter, it’s easy to think flu season is behind us. But in Australia, influenza doesn’t always stick to a strict calendar — and this year, flu cases are still circulating.

While peak flu season typically runs from June to September, we’ve seen in recent years that outbreaks can linger into spring and even early summer. This means it’s still important to be vigilant, especially for vulnerable groups like young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.

Why the flu is still a concern right now

• Ongoing community transmission – The virus continues to spread in workplaces, schools, and social gatherings, particularly as people spend more time indoors in fluctuating weather.
• Immunity may be wearing off – If you were vaccinated early in the season, your protection could be starting to decline, especially if new strains are circulating.
• Overlapping with other illnesses – Hay fever, colds, and COVID-19 can all cause similar symptoms, making it harder to identify and isolate flu cases quickly.

What you can do to protect yourself and others

• Get vaccinated – It’s not too late to get your flu shot. Even now, vaccination can reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.
• Practice good hygiene – Wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with others when unwell.
• Stay home if sick – This helps prevent spreading the virus to friends, family, and colleagues.
• See a doctor early – If you have flu symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or muscle aches, book an appointment promptly. Early treatment can make a big difference, particularly for those at higher risk.

The flu season is not over yet. Staying alert now means avoiding unnecessary illness later — and helping protect those in our community who are most vulnerable.

Need a flu shot? Free* Flu shots are available at Our Medical centres. No appointment needed for a flu shot at Our Medical. Simply come into the centre and and check-in to see a GP using the Our Medical app.

Click here for more details on the availability of flu shots at one of Our Medical locations.

*Free flu vaccines are available for patients aged 5-64 who are registered for MyMedicare at Our Medical Annerley, Ashmore, Caroline Springs, Cranbourne, Crows Nest, Gregory Hills, Gold Coast, Kellyville, Loganholme, Marsden Park, Morayfield, North Lakes, Penrith & Williams Landing. Government funded free flu vaccines for children aged between 6 months and 5 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months, pregnant women, people aged 65 or over, and people with specific medical conditions are also available at all Our Medical locations. $15 flu vaccines are available at Our Medical Dee Why for members of the Our Medical Membership Program (aged 5-64). For non-members, the flu vaccine is available at Our Medical Dee Why for $19.