That message has become a familiar one in recent years and it seems more and more people are heeding the advice.

In fact the demand is outstripping supply, resulting in authorities needing to ration the vaccine. 

Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy said shots were being limited to the vulnerable while efforts are made to import more vaccine into the country.

"Until we can get the assurance from the Commonwealth government there's flu vaccine available for all, to make sure that we're rationing our flu vaccines for the most vulnerable groups - they are largely people with certain kinds of illnesses, for the elderly and for young children," Ms Hennessy said.

The nation’s acting chief medical officer Tony Hobbs said a record number of seasonal flu vaccines had been imported.

“The Australian government has made available over 5.1 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2018,” Dr Hobbs said..

“This represents almost a 10 per cent increase than any other year.

“Unprecedented demand for seasonal influenza vaccination this year has impacted the availability of supplies. 

“According to states and territories, compared to last year, there has been a 25-30 per cent increase in demand.”

You would expect that situation is being reflected on the Border.

Yesterday Murrumbidgee Local Health District public health director Tracey Oakman said she was not shocked at the situation.

“We had a really bad flu season last year, so it doesn’t surprise me that there has been an increase,” she said.

“We’ve been advocating heavily for it in light of the season last year.”

Importantly the shortage has occurred early in the colder period of the year.

The depth of winter, July-August, marks the peak of flu season, so there is time for the vaccine deficit to be remedied well before that time. 

The public should be congratulated for taking on board the message to have a flu shot.

The more people that have the vaccine the less absenteeism should be occurring, which is good for individuals, their workmates and the economy. 

To use the modern vernacular that’s pretty sick.