After two years of lockdowns and social distancing the flu has returned with a vengeance.
Lab-confirmed cases of the flu were among the worst rates on record in 2017, resulting in 29,000 hospital admissions and 745 deaths across Australia.
When the pandemic arrived, the flu all but disappeared as better hygiene measures were adopted and lockdowns limited the population's movements.
But now the easing of COVID restrictions means people are out and about, and this has led to a surge in flu cases.
Now health authorities are pleading with Australians to get a flu shot to ease the growing pressure on hospitals.
And in a move to encourage people to do this, the vaccineis now being offered for free. But its availability differs throughout the states and territories.
Who is offering the jab for free?
New South Wales will offer a "month-long blitz" of free flu jabs starting June 1 and ending June 30 for anybody over the age of six months of age.
Previously the vaccines were available free only to certain high risk groups, but Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said authorities were concerned by the sharp increase in infections.
"We strongly urge everyone over six months of age to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, as the virus is easily spread and potentially deadly," Dr Chant said.
Queenslanders over the age of six monthscan get free influenza vaccinations until June 30.
The decision was announced last week after an early and intense surge of Influenza A was detected across the state.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she had taken the "unprecedented" decision to protect people amid low rates of immunity.
"We are seeing the impacts on our hospitals and if we don't get a vaccinated community with the flu vaccine, we are going to see escalating numbers in our hospitals," she said.
Western Australians over the age of six months can get a free flu jab from June 1 until June 30.
The WA Department of Health's "Free Jab June"initiative was announced by Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson on May 29.
"We already make vaccinations free for our most vulnerable, but by extending this program throughout June we are making the flu jab more easily accessible to everyone," she said.
AllSouth Australiansover six months of age can get the flu shot for free until June 30.
In a statement, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said the free vaccines will be available in a program costing the state nearly $5 million.
"We must do everything we can to ensure as many South Australians as possible are immunised against both COVID and influenza to ease pressure on our hospitals," he said.
Previously in SA, only certain groups of people, such as young children and those with medical risk factors were eligible for free flu vaccines.
However, due to the unique circ*mstances, SA will make flu vaccinations free for all residents until June 30.
As of last week,171,000 Tasmanians have had aflu shot, and the vaccineis free for anyone aged five and over, but only at Community COVID & Flu Vaccination Clinics.
The state government is hoping people coming in for a free flu shot will also get themselves up to date with a COVID shot, as both are available in the same appointment.
Victoria, Northern Territory and the ACT
As it stands, the situation is different– or evolving– in Victoria, the Northern Territory and the ACT.
The Andrewsgovernment is yet to announce a free flu vaccination scheme, but there are strong signs such a program could soon be revealed.
The Victorian branch of the Australian Medical Association says it's been in talks with the Victorian government over the past week on a state-wide program.
The Victorian president of the AMA, Roderick McCrae, said he would put more pressure on the government if it hasn't announced a scheme by mid-week.
"I've been in discussions with government about all of the planning stages for the best part of a week and I think that's a reasonable duration and it's really up to the government to determine when they want to make their announcement, but I would be expecting it to be earlier rather than later," Dr McCrae said.
However, In the ACT and Northern Territoryyou are only able to geta free flu jab if youare part of a vulnerable group.
In theACT, that means it is limited to children between six months and five years of age, pregnant women, people 65 and above,Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over six months, and people over six months of age with underlying medical conditions.
And in the Northern territory, it's free for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, vulnerable people and young children.
But Australian Medical Association NT president Rob Parker said the territory should look to follow the lead of other regions and offerfree flu jabs to residents.
"Potentially making it free for everybody would encourage more people, so that would be the best thing [to do]," he said.
GPs, clinics or pharmacies? Where can I get a free flushot?
NSW Health is urging people to book at GPs and pharmacies to get the jab.
Pharmacies are now able to provide the vaccine to children aged five and upwards, so families can be vaccinated together.
Australian Medical Association NSW president Dr Michael Bonning asked that people be respectful of their GPs and practice staff during the transition to the free flu vaccine program.
"There is likely to be a lot of respiratory viruses circulating this winter, and we encourage people to ensure they get the flu vaccine and COVID booster vaccine," he said.
In Queensland,you can get the jab at a pharmacy or GP (the GP may charge you for the appointment).
Bookings for the free vaccine can be made through pharmacists and GPs.
While there was some initial concern about whether there would be enough doses to go around, Pharmacy Guild Australia Queensland president Chris Owen said there is a steady stockpile for now.
"We do have plenty of stock in at the moment, and the wholesalers have stock as well," he said.
"With the announcement of other states coming on board with free flu [vaccine] programs, the long-term outlook is not so secure.
"In the long term we don't know where things are going to land," he said.
In Western Australia, you can receive the free influenza vaccine at participating community pharmacies and state-led vaccination clinics.
Other providers such as participating general practices will also be able to provide free influenza vaccinations.
Information on locations offering the free flu vaccine during June 2022 is available at rollupforwa.com.au
In South Australia,the free vaccination program has been welcomed by the state'sGPs.
Immunisation Coalition chair and Adelaide GP RodPearce said "everyone benefits from a flu vaccine".
The free vaccines will be available from pharmacies and GPs.
Children aged between five and nine years will now also be able to receive a vaccine at at a pharmacy.
Tasmanians can get free vaccines through a GP and at some local council clinics and pharmacies.You can see the list of clinics and times here.
Outside of those clinics, the flu jab is free at GP clinics and pharmacies for: Children aged between six months and five years; All adults aged 65 years and over; Pregnant women (at any stage in your pregnancy); Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age; All people over six months of age with chronic medical conditions.
People in other groups who don't want to go to a vaccination clinic will have to pay.
Posted, updated
