This is complicated.

Flu virus uses RNA as its genetic material which means that it mutates rapidly compared to DNA viruses. This process leads to what is technically called antigenic drift, which means that each year flu virus may be quite similar to previous versions (so most people will be immune to it) or it might be quite different (so many people will be fairly susceptible to it).

I pointed this out to my GP who commented that, because I am not immuno-compromised and have no other relevant underlying health problems, he saw no reason for me to get a flu vaccine.

Pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumonia, can include pneumococcal pneumonia, pneumococcal otitis media and pneumococcal meningitis - the latter is extremely serious.

Here, because of this, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended and is free for children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all people over 65.