Predictions of an early and severe influenza season make this even more critical, as between 60 to 70 per cent of asthma attacks are due to viral infections such as the common cold or influenza.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and almost 2.8 million (11 per cent) of Australians have asthma, including children and adults.

Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, Clinical Executive Lead at the NAC, said Australians with asthma need to get their influenza vaccine now to make sure they are protected.

“People who have asthma and allergies tend to be hit hard from viral infections so it is important to get vaccinated as soon as you can.

“Even though it might seem early to get the vaccine, it will remain effective for up to five months and provide immunity right throughout the flu season that commonly runs from June to September.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said it is important not to wait until the peak of the flu season hits before getting vaccinated.

“It’s still early in the season and we’re already seeing record numbers of flu cases. The latest figures show more than 67,000 laboratory-confirmed cases already this year, with cases expected to jump even higher once the cooler months hit[i].

“Vaccination is the best protection against severe illness. We are encouraging all Australians living with asthma to visit their local community pharmacy and speak to their pharmacist about immunisation as soon as possible,” she said.

Clinical Associate Professor Rigby added that higher risk Australians, including children and adults with asthma, have access to free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

“They can easily access this via thousands of community pharmacies across Australia who offer flu vaccinations and many even offer walk-in appointments.

“Each year 25 to 30 per cent of influenza vaccines are delivered by community pharmacy, so filling your next asthma medication script is the perfect time to speak to your pharmacist about also getting your flu vaccine.

“Now is also the ideal time to schedule an annual asthma review with your GP to assess if you need to make any changes to your asthma medications and update your written asthma action plan so you stay well over winter,” said Clinical Associate Professor Rigby.

The NAC has also released a ‘10 myths about influenza’ fact sheet in time for the flu season.

NAC media contact: Donna Le Page, Le Page PR, M: 0412 797 937 E: donna@lepage-pr.com.au

PSA media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

[i] National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard, accessed on 29 April 2025.