Vaccination Services

The following information is taken from the ATAGI Clinical Advice issued in March 2023.

• Ticks indicate age at which a vaccine is registered and available. Aqua boxes indicate availability for free under the NIP.
• + NIP funding only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women and people who have certain medical conditions

The influenza virus strains included in the 2023 Southern Hemisphere seasonal influenza vaccines are shown below.

Note: The chosen egg-based and cell-based viruses will sometimes differ if one virus cannot be used for both production systems. In this case, different viruses with similar properties are selected for vaccine production

The eligibility to receive an influenza vaccine funded through the NIP remains unchanged and is available for the following groups:

• All children aged 6 months to <5 years (two doses are recommended and funded in the first year of vaccination)
• All adults aged 65 years and over
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months of age and over
• Pregnant women
• People aged 5 to <65 years who have certain medical conditions (see table below)

Note: See the Australian Immunisation Handbook for advice on people who are strongly recommended to receive annual influenza vaccination but not eligible for NIP‑funded influenza vaccines.

Ideally people should receive their annual influenza vaccination before the start of the influenza season, with optimal protection against influenza occurring in the first three to four months following vaccination. The peak period of influenza circulation usually occurs from June to September in most parts of Australia; however, COVID-19 and increased international travel affected the seasonality of influenza in 2022 and may continue to affect it in 2023.

Influenza vaccines can continue to be offered as long as the influenza virus is circulating and a valid vaccine (before expiration date) is available.

People who are planning international travel should ensure they have had a 2023 influenza vaccine prior to departure.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises that for people aged 5 years and older, COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with an influenza vaccine. Studies have demonstrated that co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine raises no safety concerns and preserves the immune response to both vaccines. Co-administration may result in a higher frequency of mild to moderate adverse events and can make it harder to attribute potential adverse events to specific vaccines. It is important to advise your patient that it is more likely that they may experience common adverse effects and to report any adverse events.

In children aged 6 months to <5 years, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered if separation would be logistically challenging. Where possible, it is recommended that vaccine administration is separated by 7-14 days due to limited data on co-administration in this age group. Co-administration may lead to higher rates of adverse effects, including fever.