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With more than 15,000 reported cases and 35 deaths, including eight just last week, the influenza season in southern Australia has been described as "unprecedented".
But with the rising number of dead on the rise, a study by the Adelaide Zero Project revealed that only half of those sleeping in the streets of Adelaide would seek medical badistance if needed.
The Hutt Street Center, which provides annual badistance to more than 2,000 homeless people, is one of those organizations that works to help the most vulnerable people in this flu season.
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President and CEO Ian Cox says that with the bitter cold that announces, people who sleep on the street can expect to contract the virus in dangerous conditions.
Thus, in partnership with the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the center provides free vaccines to those in need.
"Brilliant partnership"
"It's such a brilliant partnership, especially in cold weather like today," Cox told 7NEWS.com.au.
Cox says the RDNS has been helping the center administer the vaccines for over 25 years.
"The fact that we can help these people get vaccinated and hopefully keep them out of the hospital system is a wonderful thing," he said.
This year alone, the center has provided more than 90 vaccines – a number that Cox expects to grow as the winter months set in.
After a cold snap that should hit the country, Cox said front-line staff were "always" monitoring people who used the shelter's services in case they needed medical attention.
"We also have general practitioners who provide care, which is great," said Cox.
This year's influenza season has paralyzed the country, with 400,000 additional doses of vaccine en route to Australia in order to meet the demand.
More than 12 million vaccines have been distributed across the country.
For more local SA stories, click here.
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