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.
2022 influenza vaccination
The 2022 influenza vaccination program is underway and there is a focus on ensuring as many people in our community are immunised. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on travelling and moving around the community over the past two years, there were low rates of influenza cases in 2020 and 2021. Our immunity, therefore, is much lower than it has been in the past and we are already seeing high rates of influenza across all age groups this year.
Victorian State Government June 2022 free flu vaccinations program
During the month of June, the State Government is making free flu vaccinations available to all members of the community across Victoria and has invited general practices and community pharmacies to participate.
Practices and pharmacies wishing to take part can access a $25 (excl GST) reimbursement per influenza vaccine administered for non-NIP eligible influenza vaccines.
Grants of $2,000 are also available to support GPs and pharmacies to deliver the influenza vaccination program. This grant is to support activities to sustain increased service provision such as increased staffing and/or extended operating hours.
For more information on how practices and pharmacies cano participate in the program and register for reimbursement, go to the Government’s Funding influenza vaccines for all Victorians web page.
Resources
- Influenza (flu) immunisation data
- Patient resources
- HealthPathways
- Department of Health – Flu (influenza) immunisation service
- Department of Health Clinical advice for Vaccination Providers
- 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