Don't risk the flu and RSV vaccine stakeholder toolkit

• Don’t risk the flu. Get vaccinated today.
• Flu season is here, and it can be serious. Choose to protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccine.

The vaccine is free for eligible groups:

• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• Adults aged 65 years and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Individuals with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of severe flu.

Download and display the following posters:

• General population
• Parents of children under 5
• Seniors (over 65)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Download the suite of assets and adapt the suggested post copy.

Version 1

Headline: Don't risk the flu

Suggested post copy:

This flu season, what will you choose? A little discomfort getting your child vaccinated or a lot of pain if they get sick. Don't risk the flu. Make sure your family is up to date with their annual flu vaccine, free for children under 5.

Version 2

Headline: Don't risk the flu

Suggested post copy:

The flu can be serious, and children are among the most at risk. Choose to protect them with an annual flu vaccine, free for children under 5.

Version 3

Headline: Don't risk the flu

Suggested post copy:

Flu vaccines are safe, effective and free for children under 5. Book your flu vaccine through your doctor (GP), local council immunisation service, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, or local pharmacy (for ages 5 years and older).

Version 1

Headline: Don't risk the flu

Suggested post copy:

Flu season is here, and it can be serious. Choose to protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccine.

Version 2

Headline: Don't risk the flu

Suggested post copy:

This flu season, choose to protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccine, free for those over 65.

Version 3

Headline: Don't risk the flu

Suggested post copy:

Flu season is here, and it can be serious. Protect your mob with an annual flu jab, free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older.

Our channels:

• Instagram: @VicGovDH
• Facebook @VicGovDH

Don't risk the flu fact sheet - Arabic

Don't risk the flu fact sheet - Chinese (simplified)

Don't risk the flu fact sheet - Chinese (traditional)

Don't risk the flu fact sheet - Hazaragi

Don't risk the flu fact sheet - Hindi

Don't risk the flu fact sheet - Punjabi

Don't risk the flu fact sheet - Urdu

Don't risk the flu fact sheet - Vietnamese

Infants and young children

• From 1 April to 30 September, free immunisation is available to eligible infants entering their first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season.
• RSV infection is the most common cause of infant hospitalisation because it can often progress to more serious lung conditions in very young children.
• Infant RSV immunisation provides immediate protection with just one dose, reducing the risk of hospitalisation for at least five months, covering the typical RSV season (May to September in Victoria).
• You can now access the infant immunisation program through participating public and private birthing hospitals, general practices, Aboriginal Health Services and some local council immunisation clinics.
• Protect your little one and check their eligibility today on the Better Health Channel's Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) page.

RSV maternal vaccine

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia.
• But did you know vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing on antibodies, reducing the risk of severe RSV illness in infants under 6 months by about 70%?
• As part of a world-first comprehensive Maternal and Infant Protection Program (MIPP) against RSV, eligible women from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy can now access a free vaccine through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
• The vaccine can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended in pregnancy, including influenza, whooping cough, and COVID vaccines.
• Maternal vaccination is the safest means of protecting our little ones against serious RSV illness.
• Speak to your health care provider or visit the Better Health Channel's Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) page.

RSV vaccine for older Victorians

• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infection. RSV infection can cause severe disease, particularly in very young and older people.
• RSV is an important cause of respiratory disease and hospitalisation in older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, and people with conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease.
• Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against serious disease caused by RSV. Talk to your GP about the RSV vaccine.
• A single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended to protect older people. RSV vaccine may be given at any time of the year, but, where possible, should be offered before the start of the RSV season.
• The vaccine can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines including influenza and COVID vaccines.
• The RSV vaccine for older Australians will be available for free through the NIP from 15 May 2026.

Headline

Free maternal RSV vaccine now available!

Suggested post copy

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia. But did you know vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing on antibodies, reducing the risk of severe RSV illness in infants under 6 months by about 70%?

Eligible women from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy can now access a free vaccine through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The vaccine can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended in pregnancy, including influenza, whooping cough, and COVID vaccines.

Department of Health channels:

• Instagram: @VicGovDH
• Facebook @VicGovDH

• Program advice for health professionals
• Consumer fact sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions
• RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody poster
  

COVID remains a part of our lives and right now we’re experiencing an increase in cases across Victoria. As we go into the winter months, it’s important to follow these steps to protect yourself and others:

• Stay home if you are unwell.
• Wear a face mask if you have symptoms or visiting sensitive settings, such as aged care facilities.
• Let fresh air in. Open windows and doors when safe and practical, it reduces the amount of viruses in the indoor air. Meet outside when possible.
• Wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face. Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19. Discuss what to do if you get sick, including testing options and whether you are eligible for antiviral treatment.
• If you experience serious symptoms, seek medical attention.
  Stay up to date with your immunisations.
• Immunity wanes over time. Regular COVID-19 vaccinations (also known as boosters) are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. For more information and to check if you are eligible for a free booster, visit COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations. COVID-19 vaccines are free for all people in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.

• Measles is a highly infectious disease and can cause serious illness.
• Measles can spread through airborne droplets, contact with nose and throat secretions and contaminated surfaces and objects. It can also stay in the environment for up to 2 hours.
• Early symptoms resemble a cold or flu, with fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose and feeling generally unwell. This is followed by a rash that usually starts on the face before spreading down the body.
• Vaccination is the best and safest way to protect yourself and others.
• Two doses of the measles vaccine are required for immunity. If you haven’t had two doses, or you don’t know, get vaccinated.

The measles vaccine is widely available at GPs and pharmacies. No Medicare card is required to get a state funded measles vaccine. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access free measles vaccines from their local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

For more information, visit the measles page on Better Health Channel.

SKAI (Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation) provides resources to support your conversations with community members who have questions about vaccination.

• Talking with adult patients who have questions fact sheet - will help you have productive conversations with adults about vaccination.
• Addressing vaccine misinformation can be used in conjunction with the SKAI communications approach to assist in having productive conversations that address misinformation about vaccination.