Seasonal influenza vaccine

Eligibility for the free influenza vaccine

Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:

• people aged six months to less than five years (can be given at the same time as childhood vaccines)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
• pregnant women (can be given at any stage of each pregnancy)
• people aged 65 years and older (a vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).
• people aged six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications.

Refer to 2023 Influenza vaccination – Program advice for vaccination providers for a list of medical conditions that meet eligibility criteria for the funded influenza vaccine.

Timing of influenza vaccination

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone from mid-April onwards to be protected for the peak influenza season, which is typically June to September.

Influenza vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza virus are circulating, and a valid vaccine is available. Some important considerations are

• Young children aged 6 months to less than 9 years who should have 2 doses of influenza vaccine (given at least 4 weeks apart) in the first year they receive the vaccine.
• Pregnant women (should receive the vaccine at any stage during pregnancy)
• People travelling to a destination where influenza is circulating (year-round in the tropics)
• People who have had a haematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant require two doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, the first time after they receive the transplant.

Refer to 2023 Influenza vaccination – Program advice for vaccination providers for further details.

Clinical guidance

Updated advice is available from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the administration of 2023 seasonal influenza vaccines for immunisation providers, including vaccines available for use in by age, and eligibility criteria for NIP funded vaccine.

Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for contraindications and precautions relating to 2023 Influenza vaccines. All influenza vaccines available under the NIP in 2023 are latex free and people with a latex allergy can safely be vaccinated.

The influenza vaccine can be safely given at the same time as the pertussis vaccine (between 20 and 32 weeks) and/ or COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.

COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with influenza vaccines. Refer to ATAGI Clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines for considerations for co-administration of COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years.

Vaccine safety

Refer to Adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) reporting for guidance following AEFI and vaccine errors.

Ordering vaccine

Registered immunisation providers in Victoria can order government-funded influenza vaccine (NIP or provided by the Victorian Government) for administration to eligible cohorts. Refer to ordering vaccines for details on how to order vaccines through Onelink Online.

Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

It is mandatory to record all influenza vaccinations given on the (AIR). Ensure you use the correct brand name, dose number and batch number.

Further information can be found in Using the Australian Immunisation Register.

Resources for immunisation providers

Victorian Department of Health

Videos, posters and digital resources

Posters, social media and information in 16 languages

Commonwealth resources

Getting vaccinated against influenza – resource collection includes advice for providers, information for consumers and vaccination in pregnancy.

• 2023 Influenza vaccination - Program advice for vaccination providers
• Brochure – Protecting your baby against influenza starts when you’re pregnant
• Why does my child need a flu shot? – Fact sheet
• Flu in kids can be serious – 2023 influenza poster for kids under 5
• Fighting flu starts with you – Consumer fact sheet
• Let’s keep our mob safe from flu – 2023 influenza poster for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Ask about the flu vaccine today – eligibility through the National Immunisation Program (poster)

NIP schedule – updated to ensure eligible people can be easily identified.

Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice

ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2023

ATAGI clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines

The Australian Immunisation Handbook

View the Influenza (flu) chapter in The Australian Immunisation Handbook

Immunisation eLearning

Influenza eLearning module

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

SKAI communication package: Conversations with parents and pregnant women around influenza vaccination.

Supporting conversations about vaccination with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

• Talking about flu vaccination with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
• Flu vaccine information sheet
• Summary table of vaccination resources

Avoiding shoulder injury related to vaccine administration

The Australian Immunisation Handbook - Correct injection technique and positioning (PDF)

Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) SIRVA eLearning course

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) SIRVA Webinar