Health protection
Stay well this winter
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family this winter, especially if you are pregnant, a parent of a young child, or older.
If you are from an ECEC or RACF, please click the links to access the Western Public Health Unit’s resources for Early Childhood Education and Care and Residential Aged Care Facilities
To support the Western Public Health Unit’s winter campaign, click the link for resources for parents of children under 5, pregnant people, adults over 65.
Vaccinating five children under five prevents one child from getting the flu.
Respiratory viruses spread more easily during winter in our community. Vaccination helps protect your family and reduces spread in childcare, schools and the wider community.
Flu (Influenza)
2025 was a record year for flu in Victoria, with more people testing positive than ever before. Flu is expected to be common again this winter. Flu can make you very unwell. Every year, thousands of people need hospital care, and many more miss work, school, and daily activities due to the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended every year.
Flu vaccine is free if you are:
- Aged under 5
- Pregnant
- Aged 65 years or older
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 6 months or over
- Have certain medical conditions (such as heart or lung disease)
Book your vaccine now with your GP, local council, or a participating pharmacy.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common virus that can cause serious illness, especially in babies and older people. A free RSV vaccine is available for people aged 75 years and over, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over.
This vaccine is safe and helps protect against severe illness and hospitalisation. RSV vaccination is also recommended during pregnancy (third trimester). This helps pass protection to your baby before birth and reduces the risk of bad illness in the first few months of life.
RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation in young infants, but vaccination can help prevent this.
COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to spread in Victoria each year and can still cause serious illness. Updated COVID-19 booster vaccines are available and are designed to match current circulating strains.
You should get a COVID-19 booster every 12 months if you are aged 65 years or older or if you are immunocompromised, or every 6 months if you are 75 years or older.
Getting vaccinated
You can receive your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at the same visit. Ask your GP or pharmacist what is right for you.
Protect yourself and others
Vaccination is one defence against infection, but there are other measures you can take to help protect our community this winter.
- Stay home if you are unwell
- Wash or sanitise your hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces if you are at higher risk
Talk to your GP or pharmacist if you would like further information.
