Every year around April, the same question lands in GP clinics across Cheltenham and the wider Bayside area:
“Can I get my flu shot for free?”
It is a completely fair question, and the answer depends on a couple of things. Whether you are a long-time local, a young parent in Mentone, or a retiree in Beaumaris, understanding what is available to you under Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) can save you money and, more importantly, help keep you and your family healthy through winter.
Let us break it down simply.
The Good News First: BAYMED Bulk Bills the Flu Vaccine for All Medicare Card Holders
Before diving into the details, here is the headline: at BAYMED Medical Centre in Cheltenham, the flu vaccine is bulk billed for all patients with a valid Medicare card. That means no gap payment, no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccination itself.
If you have a Medicare card, you are covered.
What Is the National Immunisation Program (NIP)?
The National Immunisation Program is the Australian Government’s publicly funded vaccination schedule. It covers vaccines across all life stages — from childhood immunisations through to vaccines for older Australians. The seasonal influenza vaccine is included on the NIP for certain priority groups each year.
BAYMED Medical Centre in Cheltenham participates in the NIP, so eligible patients can access their funded flu vaccine as part of their regular GP appointment.
Who Is Eligible for a Free Flu Vaccine Under the NIP in Victoria?
Under the current NIP guidelines, the following groups are eligible for a government-funded flu vaccine:
- Children aged six months to under five years
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
- People aged six months and over with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of serious complications from influenza, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Conditions affecting the immune system
If you are unsure whether your health condition qualifies, your GP at BAYMED can review your situation and confirm your eligibility at your appointment.
Why Are These Groups Prioritised?
It is not arbitrary. Each of these groups has a higher risk of experiencing serious complications from influenza, complications that can include pneumonia, hospitalisation, and in vulnerable populations, death. Prioritising funded vaccination for these groups is a practical public health strategy that reduces pressure on hospitals and emergency departments across Victoria each winter.
For Bayside families, this matters. Getting eligible household members vaccinated also helps reduce the spread of flu to others in the home who may be more vulnerable.
What If I Am Not in an NIP-Eligible Group?
Here is where BAYMED’s bulk billing arrangement makes a real difference. Even if you do not fall into one of the NIP priority categories above, the flu vaccine is still bulk billed at BAYMED for all Medicare card holders. You do not need a concession card or a specific medical condition. A valid Medicare card is all you need.
This removes one of the most common reasons people put off getting vaccinated — cost — and makes it straightforward for the whole Cheltenham community to get protected before winter hits.
Do I Need an Appointment?
Yes, we recommend booking ahead. During the peak vaccination period in April and May, appointments at GP clinics across Cheltenham and Bayside fill quickly. Booking ahead through HotDoc, by phone, or in person at our Bay Road clinic ensures you get a time that suits you.
A brief consultation with your GP before vaccination is also important. Your doctor will:
- Review your health history
- Check for any contraindications
- Confirm which flu vaccine formulation is most appropriate for your age and health status
- Answer any questions you have about the vaccination
This step is quick and straightforward, but it is an important part of safe, personalised care.
Can I Get the Flu Vaccine at the Same Time as Other Vaccines?
In most cases, yes. Victorian health guidance supports the co-administration of the flu vaccine with other vaccines on the same day. This is particularly convenient for:
- Parents bringing young children in for routine childhood immunisations
- Older adults due for other vaccines such as the COVID-19 booster or pneumococcal vaccine
- Anyone wanting to consolidate appointments and minimise trips to the clinic
Your GP will assess your individual situation on the day and advise if there is any reason to space vaccines out.
When Should I Book My Free Flu Vaccine?
The NIP flu vaccine program typically kicks off in April each year, when new season vaccine stock is distributed across Victoria. Here is the timing advice for Bayside locals:
- Book in April or early May for the best appointment availability and maximum protection before peak season
- The new seasonal vaccine is formulated each year based on predicted circulating strains, so it is worth getting the updated version even if you were vaccinated last year
- Protection generally takes around two weeks to build after vaccination, so earlier is better
- Vaccination can continue through winter — it is never too late if you have not had yours yet
A Quick Summary: Free Flu Vaccines at BAYMED
| Who | Cost at BAYMED |
| All Medicare card holders | Bulk billed (no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine) |
| NIP-eligible groups (under 5s, 65+, pregnant women, etc.) | Government-funded under the NIP |
| No Medicare card | Standard private fee applies |
Simple. Accessible. No surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a concession card to get a free flu vaccine at BAYMED?
A: No. At BAYMED, the flu vaccine is bulk billed for all patients with a valid Medicare card — no concession card required. This applies to all eligible Medicare card holders, making it straightforward for the whole community to get vaccinated before winter.
Q: My child is six years old. Can they still get a free flu vaccine?
A: Under the NIP, the funded flu vaccine for children covers those aged six months to under five years. For children aged five and over, the NIP funding no longer applies — however, at BAYMED the vaccine is bulk billed for all Medicare card holders, so there is still no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccination itself. Speak with your GP if you have questions about your child’s specific situation.
Q: I have asthma. Does that make me eligible for a free flu vaccine under the NIP?
A: Certain chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma in some cases, are listed among the medical conditions that may qualify a person for a funded flu vaccine under the NIP. The best step is to discuss this with your GP at BAYMED, who can review your health history and confirm your eligibility at your appointment.
Q: Is the flu vaccine available all year round, or only in winter?
A: The seasonal flu vaccine program runs from around April each year, when the new season’s stock is made available. Vaccination is recommended through to the end of the flu season in September, and can technically continue as long as valid vaccine stock is available. April and May are the ideal months to get vaccinated, as this gives your body time to build protection before peak season.
Q: Can I walk in for a flu vaccine, or do I need to book?
A: We recommend booking ahead, especially during April and May when clinics across Cheltenham and Bayside are at their busiest. You can book online 24/7 through HotDoc, call our reception team, or pop in to arrange an appointment in person. Booking ensures you get a time that suits you and avoids any unnecessary wait.
Q: I’m pregnant. Is it safe to get the flu vaccine, and is it free?
A: Yes on both counts. The flu vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy and can be given safely at any trimester. It is also funded under the NIP for all pregnant women, making it available at no cost. Given that influenza during pregnancy can carry added risks for both mum and baby, it is one of the more important vaccinations to prioritise each winter season.
Have a question we have not covered? Leave a comment below or give our friendly team at BAYMED a call , 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
- Australian Government. National Immunisation Program Schedule. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/immunisation-throughout-life/national-immunisation-program-schedule
- Department of Health Victoria. Seasonal influenza vaccine — ATAGI recommendations and resources. Available at: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/seasonal-influenza-vaccine
- 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
- 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
- Healthdirect Australia. Flu vaccine — eligibility, costs, and where to get vaccinated. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flu-vaccine
