Two ground-breaking flu vaccines are now available for free to Australians aged 65 and over.
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Health authorities introduced the 'super vaccines' targeted at this age group in response to last year's deadly flu season.
Of the 1100 influenza-associated deaths recorded in 2017, 90 per cent were in the elderly.
With winter less than two months away, the federal government on Wednesday encouraged older Australians to take advantage of the enhanced vaccines.
"Last year we saw the highest influenza activity in Australia in almost a decade, mirroring a global trend, with more than 250,000 Australians testing positive for influenza and double the normal hospitalisations," Minister for Health Greg Hunt said in a statement on Wednesday.
It's not just older members of the community encouraged to get the flu shot.
Data suggests 56 per cent of Australians don't intend to get the vaccination.
"I urge all Australians to consider getting a flu shot this year. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for any person six months of age and older, with vaccines also available on the private market," Mr Hunt said
Those who are eligible for a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program include people aged 65 years and over, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who suffer from chronic conditions.
Infectious disease experts are predicting a moderate to severe flu season in 2018, with more than 11,000 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza in Australia already recorded by the Immunisation Coalition.
The data shows both influenza A and B strains are circulating at similar levels, including confirmed cases of influenza A (H3N2) - the "worst kind" of flu.
Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy said now is the time to make plans to get the vaccination.
"Getting vaccinated from mid-April will ensure you are protected before Australia's peak flu period, from around June to September."
Professor Murphy also stressed that people cannot get the flu from the vaccination.
"The flu jab does not contain any live virus, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine and we know that high vaccination rates contribute to a healthy community," Professor Murphy said.
Influenza Strains Contained in the 2018 Flu Vaccine
* A(H1N1): an A/Michigan/45/2015(H1N1) pdm09 like virus
* A(H3N2): an A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016(H3N2) like virus
* B: a B/Phuket/3073/2013 like virus
* B: a B/Brisbane/60/2008 like virus
Australian Associated Press
