Who are the at-risk groups for influenza?

The at risk groups for influenza in the adult age bracket (> 18 years) include:

• All people over 65 years of age
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (aged 6 months to 4 years, or over 15 years of age).
• Pregnant women
• Those with certain medical condition
  • Down syndrome
  • Body mass index more than 40
  • Chronic liver disease
• Residents and staff in aged care facilities
• People who are homeless
• Cares and household contacts of at-risk people
• Poultry or pork industry workers
• Essential services providers
• Travellers.

Note that not all of these groups are eligible to receive a free influenza vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) (see FAQ: “Who is considered “medically at-risk” and eligible for a free influenza vaccine?”). Speak with your healthcare professional for more information.