2024 Influenza vaccines are available from April – please call 9948 3768 to arrange an appointment with your doctor or at one of the vaccination clinics
Eligibility for influenza vaccines funded by the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
* Annual influenza vaccination is recommended and funded for all children aged 6 months to <5 years, and all adults aged ≥65 years.
* Annual influenza vaccination is also recommended for all people aged 5 to <65 years of age, but only funded in the following specific populations in this age group due to their increased risk of complications from influenza:
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- people who have certain medical conditions (see below)
- pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy).
* Medical conditions associated with an increased risk of influenza disease complications and for
which individuals are eligible for publicly funded vaccination under the NIP :
- Cardiac disease – Cyanotic congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease
- Chronic respiratory conditions – Severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic emphysema
- Chronic neurological conditions – Hereditary and degenerative CNS diseases, seizure disorders, spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disorders
- Immunocompromised due to disease or treatment, asplenia or splenic dysfunction, HIV infection
- Diabetes and other metabolic disorders Type 1 or 2 diabetes, chronic metabolic disorders
- Chronic renal failure
- Haematological disorders – Haemoglobinopathies
- Long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years (These children are at increased risk of Reye syndrome)
Private flu vaccines are available for those not eligible for the free ones.
