Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. It is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over.
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free influenza vaccines to people most at risk of complications from influenza. Influenza vaccines can be administered on the same day as any COVID-19 vaccine.
Flucelvax Quad® is a cell-based vaccine funded for people aged 5 to 64 years with medical conditions that put them at an increased risk of complications from influenza.
For adults aged 65 years and over, the adjuvanted Fluad® Quad is recommended over standard influenza vaccines.
It is mandatory to report all vaccines that you administer to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Vaccine supply and timing
National Immunisation Program influenza vaccines can be ordered from April 2024 depending on your state or territory health department.
Vaccination can commence from mid-April to provide protection for the peak of the flu season. This is generally from June to September in most parts of Australia. However, there is no need to wait. You can vaccinate as soon as stock is available. Viruses can circulate well after the peak, so continue to offer vaccination as long as valid vaccines are available.
If your patient had a 2023 influenza vaccine in late 2023 or even early 2024, they should still receive a 2024 vaccine when they become available.
Eligible groups
Free influenza vaccines under the NIP, are available for:
- children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- First Nations people aged 6 months and over
- people aged 65 years and over
- people aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza and its complications.
Encouraging vaccination
The best defence against influenza is to increase vaccination rates in eligible groups and the community overall.
Take every opportunity to offer influenza vaccination to your patients and their family members.
Prepare for the season
Ensure readiness for the influenza season by:
- discarding expired vaccines and disposing of them in line with local protocols
- ordering 2024 vaccines through your state or territory health department
- promoting the free vaccine to eligible people and priority groups
- considering opportunities to co-administer vaccines - you can give influenza vaccines on the same day as any COVID-19 vaccine
- ensuring vaccine safety - always check your patient's age and the age range printed on the syringe before vaccination
- reporting to the AIR all influenza vaccines that you have given to your patients - this includes both NIP and private vaccines.
Additional resources
Providers are strongly encouraged to review the:
- ATAGI statement - administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024
- NIP factsheet - program advice for vaccination providers on influenza vaccination 2024
- NIP factsheet - influenza vaccination for consumers.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recently issued advice on the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program for 2024, and recommendations regarding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines available on the private market.
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