Flu vaccination: Long-term protection explained

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Let’s start with the new Australian research looking at the long-term effects of influenza immunisation. They studied older and younger people immunised to influenza around 30 years ago and looked at their later immune responses to flu viruses later in life.

Flu jabs, in addition to reducing hospitalisation, serious complications and death during the annual flu season, are also an investment in the future.

They found that influenza immunisation primed their immune system to respond to new flu virus strains in the future. To be technical, the strains were influenza B and influenza A of the H1 type. The added good news is that flu vaccination didn't diminish their immune responses.

The bottom line is that flu jabs, in addition to reducing hospitalisation, serious complications and death during the annual flu season, are also an investment in the future.

The viruses in this year’s vaccine are strains of H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B.  You might have heard about the Super K variant of influenza, which seems to be easier to catch but with about the same level of danger as other strains. Super K is an H3N2 strain, and while it's evolving, this year's vaccine aims to cover it.

The urgency is real. By the end of April 2025, Australia had recorded over 70,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases — a 59% increase on the same period in 2024 and the highest on record since national surveillance began. Vaccinated people were around 56% less likely to present to their GP with flu and 49% less likely to be hospitalised.

The exciting new vaccine which is at last available in Australia is the nasal spray for children and adolescents containing what's called live attenuated virus, which provides a good immune response without needing a jab. And remember, if you're older, there's a higher dose vaccine designed to maximise your immunity.

Last year, too many Australians died or were hospitalised unnecessarily. Flu season is here; it's a good time to raise vaccination with anyone who's overdue.