All Queensland residents over the age of 6 months can access the influenza vaccine for free in 2024.
The program is aimed at encouraging more Queenslanders to be vaccinated against the flu, particularly for those who do not currently qualify for a free vaccination under the Commonwealth’s NIP.
The NIP limits free flu vaccinations to at-risk people, including children six months to five years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, First Nations people, and those with certain medical conditions.
The 2024 Free Influenza Vaccination Program has now commenced (as of 7 March 2024).
Patients Not Eligible for NIP-Funded Influenza Vaccines:
Pharmacies will be paid an administration fee by Queensland Health for the administration of influenza vaccines to people ineligible for a NIP-funded vaccine.
There will be a fixed rate reimbursement fee of $25 (plus GST) for each privately purchased and administered influenza vaccine during the life of the Program.
If you choose to claim for this reimbursement, you will not be eligible to charge the patient a fee for administration, or for the vaccine dose. This applies to both privately purchased and NIP funded influenza vaccines.
The Guild is working with Queensland Health to confirm the payment process. Pharmacies will be able to claim the cost of vaccination via the same process as the 2023 Free Flu Program. Queensland Health wishes to enter into an Agreement with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, utilising MedAdvisor as the payment mechanism for pharmacies who choose this option. You will have the option to directly invoice Queensland Health, should you wish.
Patients Eligible for NIP-Funded Influenza Vaccines:
From 1 January 2024, your pharmacy will be paid $18.85 by the Australian Government to subsidise the cost of administering NIP vaccines to people aged 5 years and over, via the National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy Program (NIPVIP Program).
Payments for NIP-funded vaccines will be administered by the Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA).
More information about the NIPVIP Program, including Program Rules, is available from:
Resources
Australian Immunisation Handbook
Extended Practice Authority – Pharmacists
Queensland Health – 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program
Queensland Health - 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program FAQs for Vaccine Service Providers