Winter Wellness

Stay well this winter. Get the latest advice to protect yourself and your community from seasonal viruses. Get Winterproof!

Quick Tips:

Get vaccinated

Stay up to date with your influenza, RSV, pertussis (whooping cough), and COVID-19 vaccines.

Wash your hands regularly

Clean hands are one of the best ways to stop germs spreading. Use soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public places.

Stay home if you are sick

If you have a fever, cough, or a sore throat, rest at home to protect others and get well.

Vaccines

Vaccination is the most effective protection against winter illnesses. Protect yourself and those around you.

Don’t Risk It. Get Vaccinated and become Winterproof!

Influenza (Flu)

Low flu vaccination rates last year left many people vulnerable. Get your annual flu shot early to reduce the risk of severe illness.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.

Free flu vaccines are available for:

Children aged 6 months to under 5 years old

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (6 months and older)

Adults aged 65 years and older

Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)

People with certain medical conditions

Check your eligibility with your health care provider and visit the Better Health Channel for more information.

See below for a link to our translated resources.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common virus that spreads easily and is a leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia. For more information on RSV visit the Better Health Channel.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against serious illness caused by RSV.

RSV maternal vaccine:

The national RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) offers a free RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) for pregnant women between 28-36 weeks of their pregnancy.

Maternal vaccination reduced the risk of severe RSV illness in newborns by about 70%.

It can be safely given at the same time as other vaccines recommended in pregnancy, including influenza, whooping cough, and COVID-19 vaccines.

RSV for infants and children:

A single dose of Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) provides at least five months of protection.

It is available from mid-March to 30 September 2026 for eligible infants through hospitals, GPs, community clinics, and Aboriginal Health Services.

RSV for older adults:

RSV can lead to serious illness in older people, particularly those with underlying heart or lung conditions. RSV vaccination can help reduce the severity of infections and complications, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

A free Arexvy® RSV vaccine is available for:

Adults aged 75 years and over

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 year and over

residents aged over 60 years living in public or Aboriginal Community Controlled aged care services.

Speak to your healthcare provider and visit the Better Health Channel for more information.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Whooping cough is highly contagious and can be life-threatening for babies.

Symptoms include: runny nose, tiredness, mild fever, and severe coughing fits.

Vaccination is the best protection, but immunity fades over time. It’s important to make sure you’re up to date to protect the youngest in our communities.

Free whooping cough (pertussis)-containing vaccine is available for:

children at 2 months (from 6 weeks), 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years of age

adolescents in Year 7 (or age equivalent)

pregnant women from 20 weeks gestation (ideally between 20 and 32 weeks) during every pregnancy

Eligible people needing catch-up doses: people under 20 years who have not been vaccinated

refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age

Ask your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about eligibility and visit the Better Health Channel for more information.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is still circulating, especially in the winter months.

Most people now only need one booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine per year. *Some people at higher risk may need two.

Booster doses are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19. They are particularly important for people aged 65 years or older, and for others at increased risk of severe disease.

What to do if you’re unwell with COVID-19:

If you test positive for COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that you stay home until symptoms have gone and take steps to reduce the spread of the virus.

You may be infectious for up to 10 days. You are most infectious in the 2 days before symptoms start and while you have symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever.

Click here for a checklist on how to protect yourself and others.

Where to Get Vaccinated:

You can get your vaccines from your local:

Doctor (GP)

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO)

Council immunisation service

Pharmacist (for ages 5 years and older)

Click here to find a location close to you.

Where to Get Help:

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)

Your nearest  hospital

Your GP (doctor)

Nurse-on-Call:  1300 60 60 24 (available 24/7). Click here for more details.

Virtual Emergency Care: a free 24/7 service that connects you to an emergency doctor or nurse from your computer or mobile. Register for a consultation at Victorian Virtual Emergency Department .

Resources View All Patient Resources

Karen Translation - Flu Vaccine Factsheet PDF
2.24 MB

Welcome to the Winter Wellness Resource Hub for clinicians and community stakeholders. Stay informed and prepared for this winter season. Access key guidance, clinical updates, vaccination resources, and communication material to support your community.

LMPHU 2026 Winter Season Brief: coming soon

Did you know pertussis is a notifiable condition?

This is your reminder that pertussis (whooping cough) is a routine notifiable condition in Victoria. Medical practitioners and pathology services are legally required to notify the Department of Health in writing within 5 days of diagnosis. Early notification supports timely public health action to protect vulnerable community members during winter.