A new and improved flu vaccine is available in Australia after a severe flu season in the northern hemisphere.

The flu shot has been updated to protect people against the three most prevalent flu strains.

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Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley urged people to get in early.

“Get your flu shot before the flu gets you this winter,” she said.

People with existing medical conditions, Aboriginal people, pregnant women and over 65s are eligible for free flu shots under the national immunisation program from Monday.

Last winter’s flu outbreak broke records in Australia.

FLU FACTS

Kills 3000 Australians a year.

In 2014 there were 68,000 flu infections up from 28,312 the previous year.

The 2009 swine flu epidemic resulted in 59,027 cases.