Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has approved the registration of a pandemic influenza (swine flu) vaccine, for use in adults and children aged 10 years and over. The vaccine is manufactured using the same process as that used to manufacture seasonal influenza vaccines.

The Heart Foundation and the Influenza Specialist Group have made a joint statement warning that Australians suffering from heart disease need to remain vigilant against influenza this season.

The Dept of Health & Aging announces free flu vaccination program for over 65s 

The Australian Government has officially launched its annual free flu vaccination program for people over 65 - with record supplies of vaccinations being distributed to prepare for this year's flu season. Currently, there are some 2.8 million Australians - about 13 per cent of the population - aged 65 and over. This number is expected to triple in 40 years.

World-first clinical trial shows mask-wearing significantly boosts flu protection

In a world-first clinical trial showing effectiveness of masks, researchers found adult wearers in the home were four times more likely than non-wearers to be protected against respiratory viruses, if they wore the mask.

Southern Hemisphere/Australia

The formulation of influenza vaccines for use in Australia is determined each year by the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee based on information and recommendations from the WHO.