Winter Wellness

People are encouraged to get vaccinated sooner rather than later to protect themselves and their families ahead of winter.

Influenza vaccines can be given at the same time as others, including diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal and COVID-19.

Good hygiene practices such as staying home if you are unwell, coughing into your elbow and washing your hands continue to be important in helping to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses.

Influenza (Flu)

Don’t risk the flu. Get vaccinated today. 

The flu can be serious, especially for children. Everyone six months and older is encouraged to get the annual flu vaccine.

The vaccine protects you, your family, and the community. It also helps reduce the risk of severe illnesses and flu related complications. The vaccine is free for eligible priority groups.

A free flu vaccine is available for:

• Children aged six (6) months to under five (5) years from your doctor (GP) or local council immunisation service
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six (6) months and older
• Adults aged 65 years and older
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Individuals with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of severe flu – see full list of medical conditions here.

Where to get vaccinated:

COVID-19

COVID-19 is no longer a global emergency, but it still requires attention, especially during the winter season.

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Victoria: COVID-19 - Better Health Channel

COVID-19 antivirals:

COVID-19 antiviral medicines help to stop people from getting so sick they need to go to the hospital.

More information regarding COVID-19 antivirals can be found here: COVID-19 antiviral medicine - Better Health Channel

Testing for COVID-19:

Information around testing for COVID can be found here: Testing for COVID-19 - Better Health Channel 

Checklist for COVID cases and contacts:

Checklist for COVID cases can be found here: Checklist for COVID-19 cases - Better Health Channel

Checklist for COVID contacts can be found here: Checklist for COVID-19 contacts - Better Health Channel

Where to get help:

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Your nearest  hospital
• Your  GP (doctor)
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, seven days)
• Virtual Emergency Care is a free 24/7 service that connects you to an emergency doctor or nurse from your computer or mobile. For Virtual Emergency Care, register for a consultation at the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus that infects the airways and lungs.

Regular handwashing and good personal hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes) can stop RSV from spreading. 

RSV maternal vaccine:

RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia.

RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP), a nationally consistent immunisation program for mothers and babies has been introduced in 2025 to protect infants from RSV.

Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing on antibodies, reducing the risk of severe RSV illness in infants under six (6) months by about 70%.

Women at 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy can now access a free RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

The vaccine can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended in pregnancy, including influenza, whooping cough, and COVID vaccines.

Maternal vaccination is the safest means of protecting our little ones against serious RSV illness.

Speak to your health care provider or visit the Better Health Channel for more information.

RSV for infants and children:

From 1 April to 30 September 2025, free vaccination is available to eligible infants entering their first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season.

RSV infection is the most common cause of infant hospitalisation because it can often progress to more serious lung conditions in very young children.

Infant RSV immunisation provides immediate protection with just one dose, reducing the risk of hospitalisation for at least five months, covering the typical RSV season (May to September in Victoria).

You can now access the infant immunisation program through participating public and private birthing hospitals, general practices, Aboriginal Health Services and some local council immunisation clinics.

Protect your little one and check their eligibility today.

Where to get help:

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Your nearest  hospital
• Your  GP (doctor)
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, seven days)
• Virtual Emergency Care is a free 24/7 service that connects you to an emergency doctor or nurse from your computer or mobile. For Virtual Emergency Care, register for a consultation at the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.

Resources