With the flu season fast approaching, it is important to consider your annual flu shot.

The seasonal influenza vaccine helps protect against the three most common strains of flu virus which have been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as potentially leading to serious illness in the southern hemisphere this year.

Use this link for more information about the recommended strains.

It is recommended that you speak with your GP if you are predisposed to serious complications from influenza, or want to reduce your chances of falling ill, regardless of whether or not you've already received a pandemic A/H1N1 'swine flu' vaccine.

The Australian Government has extended its National Immunisation Program to include many people aged under 65 years who are predisposed to experiencing complications as a result of influenza to receive free flu vaccination.

The groups now eligible for a free influenza vaccine as part of the National Immunisation Program include:

1. People aged 65 or over
2. Those from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island decent, aged 15 or over
3. Pregnant women
4. Those aged 6 months or over with conditions that predispose them to severe influenza, including: heart disease, chronic lung disease (including asthma), diabetes, chronic kidney failure, neuromuscular disorders, and people who have weakened immune defences.