The Immunisation Coalition (IC) has announced Canberra’s first FREE Flu Vaccination Day on 30 April 2025 at Albert Hall, as the ACT records a sharp increase in influenza cases and flu-related deaths.
Adults aged 18-64 years who are not eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will be able to access free influenza vaccinations on the FREE Flu Vaccination Day.
This is part of a nationwide initiative also running in major cities, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney on 29 April (one day before the Canberra event).
“Vaccines don’t just save lives—they protect economies and ease the burden on our health system,” says Professor Gary Grohmann, Director at the Immunisation Coalition and consultant virologist.
“The best time to act is before the flu season peaks—and that time is now.”
A rising threat in the ACT
Reportedly, as of 14 April 2025 the ACT has recorded 661 lab-confirmed flu cases — well about the 507 cases reported in the same period last year.
Adults aged 20-64 years remain the highest risk group in the ACT, according to the ACT Respiratory Illness Surveillance Report 2024, yet many in this cohort don’t qualify for free influenza vaccination under the NIP.
The IC is targeting this cohort through Canberra’s FREE Flu Vaccination Day, offering free flu vaccines to adults aged 18 to 64 years who are otherwise left unprotected.
In addition to the rising flu cases, it’s also been reported that flu-related deaths in the ACT rose by 50%— from 8 in 2023 to 12 in 2024.
“We know that cost can be a barrier, and our aim is to remove it for this age group as most do not qualify for free flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program,” says Dr Andrew Minton, CEO of the Immunisation Coalition.
“We need to protect all Australians and communicate that flu is a serious disease that can infect anyone at any time.
“April and May are the optimal months to be vaccinated leading into the flu season.”
2025 FREE Flu Vaccination Day
- Albert Hall, Canberra
- 30 April 2025
- Free flu vaccinations for adults aged 18–64 years
- No Medicare card required
- Register now: IC Vaccination Event 2025
The IC’s FREE Flu Vaccination Day is strategically scheduled at the end of April to ensure optimal protection throughout Australia’s influenza season.
For more information and to book your free vaccination, visit: Canberra Vaccination Day.
