Get protected this winter: vaccines help keep you and your family safe

As winter approaches, the Western Public Health Unit is warning about a rise in flu and other respiratory illnesses.

People living in Melbourne’s central and western suburbs — especially parents of young children, pregnant people, and older adults — are being urged to get vaccinated to stay protected. 

This year, there’s extra concern due to the combined risk of the flu, RSV and whooping cough. Flu cases are already on the rise. Local data shows that as of 5 May 2025, there have been 3,156 flu cases in the Western Public Health Unit area – an 89% increase compared to 1,667 cases at the same time last year. Wyndham and Melton have recorded the highest numbers. 

Dr Finn Romanes, Director of the Western Public Health Unit, says vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter. 

“Vaccination is still the best defence we have against getting seriously sick over the coming months,” Dr Romanes said. 

Young children, especially those under five, are at higher risk of getting very sick from the flu. 

“A flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child,” said Dr Romanes. 

The flu vaccine is free for children aged six months to under five. It’s safe and can’t give your child the flu. To make things easier, it can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccinations. 

Pregnant people are also at higher risk of getting very sick from respiratory illnesses. That’s why it’s recommended they get the flu vaccine, the new RSV vaccine, and a whooping cough booster. 

“Vaccination during pregnancy protects both mother and baby,” Dr Romanes said. “These vaccines help stop serious illness in the mother and give the baby some protection in their first few months.” 

Older adults are also more likely to get very sick from the flu and COVID. 

Dr Romanes said that local data shows only about 1 in 4 people aged over 65 in the Western Public Health Unit area have had a COVID vaccine in the past year. 

“People aged 65 to 74 years should receive a flu and COVID vaccine every year,” he said. “For those 75 and older, it is recommended to get a COVID booster every six months as this can almost halve the risk of dying from COVID. A flu vaccine every year is also critical for those aged 75 and over.” 

Vaccines for flu, RSV, whooping cough and COVID are available at most GPs and pharmacies. Parents, pregnant people, and seniors are encouraged to reach out to their healthcare provider to book in for their vaccinations ahead of winter.  

“Preventing the spread of these diseases through vaccination is essential to protecting those most at risk this winter,” Dr Romanes said.  

See below the Western Public Health Unit’s key messages for parents of children under 5, pregnant people and adults aged over 65.