As usual we recommend influenza vaccination to anyone over 6 months of age. The government funds the vaccine for anyone with higher risk , including every one from 65 years of age, all children from 6 months to under 5 years and anyone with significant medical conditions. For those not eligible for government funding, expect a fee of $20 . Many people should consider a booster of the covid vaccination at the same time .
There are also vaccinations available for pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV) . Ask your doctor or nurse if you are eligible for government funding.
A new program to protect infants from RSV infection is now funded. This involves an RSV vaccine to the pregnant woman during pregnancy and for high risk infants a passive immunisation given before winter.