It happens every year without fail. The footy season kicks into gear, the mornings get a bit nippy, and suddenly everyone around you starts sniffling. Welcome to winter in Cheltenham.
For most of us living in the Bayside area, winter means juggling school runs, work, and trying not to catch whatever is going around the office. And every year, the same question comes up:
“Do I really need the flu vaccine again? I got it last year.”
The short answer is yes, and here is why.
The Flu Virus Changes Every Single Year
Influenza is not like most viruses. It mutates rapidly, meaning the strain circulating this winter may be quite different from the one doing the rounds last July. Each year, health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Department of Health analyse data from both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres to predict which strains are most likely to dominate the upcoming season.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is then updated to match those predicted strains as closely as possible. This means:
- Last year’s vaccine was designed for last year’s flu strains
- This year’s vaccine reflects the most current circulating strains
- Getting the updated yearly flu shot gives you the most relevant protection for the current season
Think of it like updating your phone’s software. The old version still works, but it is not built to handle the newest threats.
Your Immunity Fades Over Time
Even if the flu strain did not change dramatically from one year to the next, there is another important reason to get vaccinated annually: your immunity from the previous vaccine fades over time.
Key points to understand:
- Protection from the flu vaccine begins to decline within months of vaccination
- By the time the following winter arrives in Melbourne, immunity levels may have dropped significantly
- Getting your annual flu vaccine in Cheltenham each year ensures your protection is refreshed before flu season peaks
This is not unique to the flu vaccine. It is simply how the immune system works with certain types of vaccines, and it is the reason the annual flu shot is a global recommendation, not just an Australian one.
When Does Flu Season Peak in Melbourne?
Timing matters. Here is what the typical Victorian flu season looks like:
- June to September: the core influenza season across Victoria
- July and August: historically the peak months for influenza activity in Melbourne
- April to May: the recommended window to get vaccinated, before the season hits its stride
Melbourne’s cool, damp winters create ideal conditions for the influenza virus to spread quickly — in schools, workplaces, public transport, and yes, GP waiting rooms right across the Bayside area. Getting in ahead of the peak gives your body those crucial two weeks to build full protection.
What Happens If You Skip a Year?
Missing a year does not disqualify you from future vaccines, but it does leave you unprotected for a full winter season. Influenza is not simply a bad cold. It is a serious respiratory illness that can cause:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Ear infections (particularly in children)
- Worsening of existing chronic health conditions
- Hospitalisation, particularly in vulnerable groups
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, influenza and pneumonia consistently rank among the leading causes of respiratory hospitalisation in Australia each winter. Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most practical steps you can take to protect yourself and the people around you.
Who Should Get the Annual Flu Vaccine?
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and over. However, certain groups are considered a priority and are eligible for a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP):
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
- Children aged six months to under five years
- People with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Conditions affecting the immune system
If you think you may fall into one of these categories, speak with your GP at BAYMED to confirm your eligibility for a free flu vaccine this season.
Does the Flu Vaccine Cause the Flu?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at our Cheltenham clinic, and the answer is a clear no.
Here is what you should know:
- The seasonal influenza vaccine used in Australia does not contain live virus
- It cannot cause the flu
- Some people experience mild and temporary side effects, including:
- A sore or tender arm at the injection site
- Slight fatigue for a day or two
- A mild low-grade temperature
These responses are normal signs that your immune system is doing its job and building protection. They typically resolve within 48 hours without any treatment.
Flu Vaccine Costs at BAYMED in Cheltenham
The flu vaccine is bulk billed for all Medicare card holders. That means if you have a valid Medicare card, there is no out-of-pocket cost for your flu vaccination.
How to Book Your Annual Flu Vaccine in Cheltenham
Booking is quick and easy:
- Online: Via HotDoc, available 24/7
- Phone: Call our friendly reception team during clinic hours
- In person: Visit our reception at Level 1, 284 Bay Road, Cheltenham
We see patients from across the Bayside area including Mentone, Moorabbin, Highett, Beaumaris, and surrounding suburbs. We recommend booking in April or early May to get ahead of the winter rush and ensure you have full protection before peak season.
Clinic hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
The Bottom Line
Getting the flu vaccine every year is not overkill. It is smart, practical healthcare. The virus changes, your immunity fades, and flu season comes around like clockwork every single winter in Melbourne. The annual flu vaccine is one of the most effective and accessible tools available for protecting yourself and the people you care about.
Do not wait until you are three days into feeling terrible and wondering if you should have just booked that April appointment.
Reader Q&A: Your Flu Vaccine Questions Answered
Q: Do I really need the flu vaccine every single year, or is every second year enough?
A: Every year is the recommendation, and for good reason. The influenza virus mutates regularly, so the dominant strain this winter may look quite different from last year’s. On top of that, the protection built from last year’s vaccine naturally fades over time. Annual vaccination keeps your immunity current and relevant for each new season.
Q: I got the flu vaccine last year and still got sick. Why would I bother again?
A: This one comes up a lot, and it is completely understandable. The flu vaccine protects against influenza specifically — not the common cold, COVID-19, or other winter viruses that can cause similar symptoms. If you were vaccinated and still got sick, chances are it was a different virus altogether, or a strain not well matched to that year’s vaccine. Vaccination still meaningfully reduces your risk of catching influenza and lowers the chance of serious complications.
Q: When is the best time to get my flu shot in Melbourne?
A: April to early May is the sweet spot for most people across the Melbourne south east area. The new seasonal vaccine is generally available from around April, and vaccinating then gives your body two weeks to build full protection before the July and August peak. Booking early also means better appointment availability before the winter rush hits clinics across Cheltenham and Bayside.
Q: Is the flu vaccine free for my kids?
A: Children aged six months to under five years are eligible for the free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). At BAYMED, children under five are also bulk billed, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the consultation either. For children aged five and over, a standard consultation fee applies with a Medicare rebate available.
Q: Can I get the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
A: In most cases, yes. Victorian health guidance supports co-administration of the flu vaccine with other vaccines on the same day, which is handy for parents combining visits. Your GP will review each person’s individual health on the day and advise if there is any reason to space them out.
Q: I’m pregnant. Is the flu vaccine safe?
A: Yes, and it is actively recommended during every pregnancy. The flu vaccine can be given safely at any trimester and is available free under the NIP for pregnant women. Influenza during pregnancy can carry added risks for both mum and baby, so it is one of the more important vaccinations to keep up to date. Your GP at BAYMED can answer any specific questions you might have.
Q: What if I’m not eligible for a free flu vaccine? Is it still worth paying for?
A: For most people, yes. A full week of influenza means time off work, disrupted childcare, medication costs, and potentially a GP visit on top of everything else. Weighed against the modest out-of-pocket cost of a private vaccination, most people find it a worthwhile investment. Your GP can help you weigh up the options based on your own health situation.
Do you have a question that was not answered above? Leave a comment below or call our friendly team at BAYMED, we are always happy to help.
References
- Australian Department of Health and Aged Care. Influenza (flu) vaccine — who it is recommended for, how and where to get vaccinated. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Australian Immunisation Handbook — Influenza (flu) chapter. Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu
- World Health Organization (WHO). Influenza (Seasonal) Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Influenza in Australia — hospitalisations and deaths data 2025. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/5beb5b51-d4d5-476d-bc29-0b205bbce9f6/aihw-phe-236_influenza_2025.pdf
- Department of Health Victoria. Seasonal influenza vaccine — ATAGI recommendations and vaccine information for providers. Available at: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/seasonal-influenza-vaccine
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). Influenza immunisation resources and fact sheets. Available at: https://ncirs.org.au/ncirs-fact-sheets-faqs-and-other-resources/influenza
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2024 seasonal influenza vaccines registered in Australia. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/publication/publications/2024-seasonal-influenza-vaccines
