IT WAS a brutal flu season last year, and doctors don't want to see a repeat in 2018.

It was described as one of the worst flu seasons Warwick medical experts had seen, and a new vaccine is aiming to combat the impacts of influenza.

The FluZone High Dose and Fluad will be available free to people over 65 this year, as it aims to stop the spread of the disease.

Dr Lynton Hudson of the Condamine Medical Centre said it was important for people in the age group to take care of their immune systems as we prepared for the cooler months.

"For people over 65 it is free. Even if you're fit, your immune system isn't as robust,” he said.

"There are a lot of benefits to over 65s having the vaccine. The government worked out it is cost effective.”

Dr Hudson said the changing nature of the virus played a role in last year's horror season.

"Flu tends to change, as the virus mutates a little bit,” he said.

"Last year there was probably more of an antigenic drift.

"Every year the vaccine given depends on what is happening in the northern hemisphere, looking at what the virus was effecting up there.

"We're hopeful this will knock it on the head and there won't be a repeat of last year.

"We hope the vaccine covers it. Last year it wasn't appropriate and it was an awful season.”

Despite the temptation for people to get their hands on the vaccine as soon as they could, Dr Hudson said it was best to wait.

"People often panic about when it is coming in. Evidence is the vaccine only lasts for three months,” he said.

"Peak flu season is in July and August. If people come in too early, they don't have cover durinfg flu season.

"The vaccines are being delayed until April now.

"We will have both vaccines, and will be running clinics as soon as it comes out. We aim to increase capacity. Once we get it, it will be rolled out really quickly.”