Influenza is a preventable disease. The national influenza vaccination program is run in Australia each year. Influenza vaccinations are available to all Australian residents. However, some high-risk groups have access to free vaccinations through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule.
2024 influenza vaccination
For 2024, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) is providing influenza vaccines for free for people most at risk, namely:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- People aged 65 years or over
- People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease:
- cardiac disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- immunocompromising conditions
- haematological disorders
- chronic metabolic disorder
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic neurological condition
- long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years.
For more details, see 2024 Influenza vaccination – Program advice for vaccination providers |Department of Health and Aged Care
Ordering vaccines
The State Department of Health introduced changes to vaccine ordering protocols in Victoria which came into effect from 1 March 2024.
- Immunisation providers are eligible for 2 vaccine orders per month during the influenza season (April – June 2024).
- Vaccine orders must be placed at least 14 days apart.
- Vaccines orders should include all government-funded vaccines required to meet clinics’ monthly vaccine requirements, including influenza and Shingrix.
- Influenza vaccine order limits will be in place to ensure fair and equitable supply to all providers.
- Vaccine orders may be reduced at Onelink’s discretion. You will be notified of any changes to orders via Onelink’s order and dispatch confirmation email.
Vaccines are now available for ordering online via Onelink
Resources
- Patient resources
- HealthPathways
- Department of Health – Flu (influenza) immunisation service
- health.vic – Seasonal influenza vaccine
- Australian Immunisation Handbook – Influenza
- Healthdirect Flu vaccine FAQs
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance
- Why does my child a flu shot? | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation
- ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024 | Department of Health and Aged Care
- New provider resources about influenza vaccination for First Nations’ people | Department of Health and Aged Care
Last modified: 3 April, 2024