Influenza (the flu)
Influenza, or ‘the flu’ is a type of viral infection that can cause mild to severe illness. We catch the flu by tiny droplets from coughing or sneezing spreading from person-to-person.
Getting your flu vaccine each year is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have more risk of getting a severe case of the flu and potentially needing to go to hospital. Getting the flu vaccine (free for those aged 6 months and older) not only protects you, it also protects your mob.
When is the best time to get a flu vaccine?
Each year from mid-April onwards. Our flu season is usually from June to September. The flu can spread all year round so it’s never too late to get your vaccine.
Where do I get my flu vaccine?
Free flu vaccines are available from your local GP or Aboriginal Medical Service.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
The flu vaccine has been around for a long time and has a good safety record. All flu vaccines used in Australia are ‘inactivated’, which means they don’t contain the live flu virus, so you can’t catch the flu from the vaccine. Some people may get flu-like symptoms such as fever or pain at the injection site. These side effects usually go away in a few days and don’t require special treatment. If you have concerns about a side effect that appears to be getting worse or doesn’t fit the common reactions for the vaccine, seek medical attention from your GP, local AMS or if an emergency, the hospital.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a type of lung infection caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia. The risk of getting pneumococcal pneumonia increases with age and certain conditions including lung disease.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to be admitted to hospital for pneumonia than non-Indigenous Australians. A pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 years and over.
Is the pneumococcal vaccine free?
The pneumococcal vaccine is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 years and over. It is also free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults under the age of 25 who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk of getting pneumonia, including people living with types of lung disease.
Do I need a pneumococcal vaccine every year?
No. The pneumococcal vaccine is not an annual vaccine like the flu vaccine. However, if you had a pneumococcal vaccine as an adult before July 2026, you should have another dose. This is because a newer vaccine is available that protects against more strains of the bacteria. Your GP or local AMS can check your vaccination history and make sure you are up to date.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
If you’re expecting, yarn to your GP about the free maternal RSV vaccine. It can help protect your bub from serious lung infections and keep them strong and healthy after birth. Click the link below to learn more about RSV pregnancy vaccination.
RSV vaccination is also recommended for older people. The vaccine (only required once) is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over.
Lung Foundation Australia’s Reconciliation Artwork
Our reconciliation artwork was created by Jordan Lovegrove, a Ngarrindjeri man, of Dreamtime Creative. The work shows Lung Foundation Australia raising awareness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities about how to protect themselves from lung disease.
The inner circle of the central meeting place represents Lung Foundation Australia. Our strategic pillars are shown by the large people symbols outside the central meeting place. The smaller meeting places and journey lines show Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities heading towards a community health centre to receive health care, which is represented by the middle and outer circles.
The artwork is proudly displayed in our three offices, in our corporate documents, and, with permission, in collaborative project work.
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